1-2 positions as research support consultants focusing on European funding at the University of Southern Denmark

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is a thriving and upcoming university acknowledged for delivering both excellence in basic research and substantial societal impact.

We now offer 1-2 specialist positions aimed at increasing the support for SDU’s researchers in developing and winning European collaborative R&I-projects. We hope to hire one junior research supporter on a two-year temporary contract and one experienced research supporter on a permanent contract. 

Description of work:

The 1-2 positions are anchored in the central Research Support team that provides high-level support for project development, grant application writing and implementation of research-based collaborative projects. The team is part of SDU’s Research and Innovation unit (SDU RIO) and works closely with researchers as well as the faculty support units to help researchers win societal impact-oriented consortium grants.

The positions offered are interesting to anyone who is enthusiastic about developing research & innovation projects, as the positions offer involvement in all aspects of the pre-award process for collaborative projects across SDU’s many foremost research environments.

The core tasks include advising researchers on funding strategy, relevant funding programs and potential consortium partners, as well as communicating the importance of research policy aspects, representing researchers in European networks, participating in concept and project development, and in proposal writing. You will need to understand and respond to new trends in the funding and policy landscape, in order to best promote the university's researchers and their European research agendas. You will also work to support initiatives and knowledge-sharing across the university, and you will help to build ‘next practice’ in support.

Applicant's profile

We are looking for applicants who:

• Are passionate about international research-based collaboration, especially in relation to cross-sectorial collaborations. 
• Are proposal writers with a deep understanding of the organization and impact aspects of research and innovation projects - or who wish to gain specialist experience in this area.
• Are familiar with network building and European research funding programs, preferably Horizon Europe.
• Have a background in areas from the STEM or health sciences and experience from both research and innovation projects, if applying for the senior position.
• Are both proactive and self-managed, as well as co-creation and team oriented.
• Find it natural to share knowledge and build relations with collaborators.
• Are strong communicators able to communicate complex issues to different audiences.
• Are fluent in English speech and writing.
• Hold a Master or Ph.D. degree.

The job offer

You will be part of an international, dedicated and highly competent team within a flexible and collaborative working environment. You will work with competent and committed colleagues from across SDU's organization, including other SDU RIO teams (business developers as well as policy, legal, ethics and strategy advisors) and the faculty research support offices, to provide professional and committed support for SDU's researchers. You are therefore expected to perform both as a specialist and as a team member. You will work with highly relevant international projects from many of SDU's research environments and sometimes face demanding tasks or deadlines. However, you will make a difference for SDU’s researchers and research environments and thereby help to transform research visions into concrete projects and development strategies that will ultimately impact positively on society.

More information

• The application deadline is 21st of December 2025 at 11.59.59 pm.
• Please indicate in your application whether you apply for the temporary junior two-year position or the permanent senior position.
• Interviews for the junior position are expected to conclude before New Year.
• 1st round interviews for the senior position are expected between 6th and 13th of January 2026. The first-round interviews may be online.
• 2nd round interviews for the senior position are expected between the 22nd and 29th of January 2026 in Odense, Denmark.
• The start date for both positions is as soon as possible.
• The positions are full-time (37 hours/week). Employment will take place as administrative officer or special consultant with salary in accordance with qualifications and in accordance with the framework agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
• A European working permit is required.
• The primary place of employment is Odense, but weekly workdays in other SDU campus cities (Sønderborg, Esbjerg, Kolding and Copenhagen) can be negotiated.
• Salary and other terms of employment are according to those for state-employed academics. 
• You will refer to the Head of SDU RIO's Research Support team.

Further information about the position can be obtained from the head of SDU RIO’s Research Support team, Esben N. Flindt (M: +45 4047 3773, E: enf@sdu.dk).

Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.

We recommend that you read how to apply before you apply.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About SDU RIO

SDU RIO (SDU’s Research and Innovation Organization) is a support unit in the central administration established in 2017 with the aim of supporting SDU's strategic focus on creating value for and with society incl. focus on the global sustainability goals. Value creation is achieved through close internal and external collaboration across SDU.

SDU RIO supports the interaction between research and education with businesses, foundations and the public sector. SDU RIO has a broad portfolio of tasks and for example works with entrepreneurship and business development, technology exchange and patenting, partnerships and cross-sectorial collaborations, research support, contracts, internationalization, career guidance for students as well as connecting companies and students.

About the University of Southern Denmark

SDU aims to be a diverse and inclusive workplace and educational institution, where all employees and students have equal opportunities and rights.

The university has around 21.000 students and 4.200 employees distributed over six campus cities. The biggest campus site is in Odense, centrally located in Denmark. Campus cities are spread across the country from the Danish west coast to Copenhagen in the eastern part of Denmark, with the main anchoring in the Region of Southern Denmark.

SDU has five faculties - from humanities and social sciences to the natural, health and engineering sciences. The university is renowned both for outstanding basic research but also for its ability to connect research across disciplines and apply research in societal settings. SDU’s overall mission merges quality research, relevance to society and talent development everywhere in the organization. From 2024, SDU is the Danish university with the highest overall research quality as measured by the bibliometric indicator Field-Weighted Citation Impact.