Associate Professor in Translational Leukemia Research i Odense

A position as Associate Professor (100% time) is vacant at the Hematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense Denmark.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher who would like to join our translational hematology research program on acute myeloid leukemia for an Associate Professor position to commence 1st of August 2026.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer entity with a dismal clinical outcome, due to resistance and relapse in response to current systemic AML therapies. Antibody-based therapeutics, including drug-conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) have emerged as new effective targeted therapies for a range of cancer types. In a series of proof-of-concept experiments we have generated a new first-generation BiTEs and ADCs, which effectively killed AML cells in in vitro drug tests while sparing normal human blood stem and progenitor cells and mature blood cells. The candidate for the current position will be assigned to develop novel BiTEs & ADCs and explore their therapeutic potential utilizing in vitro drug screens and AML patient-derived xenografts in preclinical trials.

Start: Preferably 1st of August 2026 or after agreement.

Duration: The position has no fixed end date but depends on funding, which is currently secured for the first 3 years.

The academic position

The position as Associate Professor involves active lab research, professional development, research education including supervision of MSc, MD, and PhD students, as well as engagement in teaching, examinations, and assessment of MSC and PhD theses within the field of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine. Depending on qualifications the associate professor will also be involved in relevant activities at The Hematology Clinical Research Unit affiliated with the Dept. of Hematology, Odense University Hospital.

Expectations and qualifications

We expect you to be a highly motivated and highly ambitious scientist with the following qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology and/or stem cell biology and hematopoiesis.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques, mouse models including genetically engineered AML mouse models and AML patient-derived xenografts, flow-cytometry, tissue culture including in vitro drug screening.
• Ability to communicate in written and spoken English at high level is required.
• Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good cooperation skills are expected in order to join and further interdisciplinary national and international research programs. A broad international network and experience with collaborative research programs or consortia are considered an advantage, though not a requirement.
• A publication record as first author in the field of normal or malignant hematopoiesis is preferable.
• Experience in attaining funding for programs in clinical and/or basic research is preferable.
• Experience with teaching and supervision and acquired pedagogical and didactic competencies obtained through relevant courses are considered an advantage, though not a requirement. If formal pedagogical and didactic competencies are limited, a plan will be established to obtain these competencies through courses during the first two years employment.

Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Research Group Leader at the Hematology Research Unit Group  Professor Kim Theilgaard-Mönch, MD, DMSc, e-mail: kim.theilgaard-moench@health.sdu.dk, phone +4524677206,or Head of Department of Clinical Research, SDU, Rikke Leth-Larsen, e-mail: rllarsen@health.sdu.dk, phone: +45 65503477.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Please note that the application must not exceed 10 MB in total!

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• A detailed CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do
• Full list of publications
• Six scientific peer-reviewed publications considered relevant for this position – in PDF format. It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.
• A teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• A research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work

For technical issues, please contact: hcm-support@sdu.dk

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application deadline

April 07, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CEST). We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Interviews are expected to be hold in week 20-23.

Salary and terms of employment

The applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Assessment

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for Universities in Denmark. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant her/himself.

References will be obtained for the preferred candidate from their current and previous employers.

Applicants invited for interview should expect to complete a work-related personality assessment.

The University of Southern Denmark wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.