Research Assistant in Clinical and Preventive Odontology

Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark is seeking a highly motivated individual for a one-year fixed-term appointment as a Research Assistant (up to 37 hours per week). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of the newly established Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology and to play an active role in the development of the upcoming educational programmes for dentists and dental hygienists. 

There may be an opportunity for subsequent employment in a PhD fellow position, subject to the availability of funding and the strategic needs of the department.

This position offers a rare opportunity to influence the development of education, research, and clinical teaching from the very beginning, while joining an ambitious academic community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

About the position

We are seeking a candidate with a broad background in dentistry and a strong interest in the development of university education.

As a Research Assistant, you will primarily contribute to research and development activities within the fields of clinical and preventive odontology. In addition, you will be involved in research-based teaching and in the development of the new dental and dental hygiene degree programmes.

The key requirement is not that you have already developed a subspecialist profile, but rather that you are motivated to contribute to the development of a modern, research-based dental education and to the establishment of a new academic environment.

Main responsibilities

As part of the establishment and development of the department, you will be expected to contribute actively to:

• participating in research projects within clinical and preventive odontology
• contributing to the development of the department’s research programmes and research environment
• contributing to scientific publications and the dissemination of research findings
• supporting applications for external research funding
• planning and delivering teaching activities
• teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes
• developing clinical learning activities, simulation-based training, and competency-based education
• examining and supervising students
• collaborating with clinical educators, private teaching clinics, and other external partners
• contributing to the development of the department’s teaching and learning environment, and
• contributing to the development of the new Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes, which are expected to enroll their first students in summer 2027.

Teaching will be grounded in evidence-based dentistry and characterised by a strong integration of basic sciences, clinical skills training, and patient care.

Research

The department is currently establishing the Research Unit APEX, an initiative aimed at strengthening national and international research environments within clinical and preventive odontology.

We are therefore seeking candidates with an interest in research and innovation who are motivated to contribute to research activities in a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.

We would particularly welcome applicants who:

• have an interest in research and scientific inquiry
• have experience with, or a keen interest in, research and development projects
• are motivated to further develop their research competencies, and
• thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy working with colleagues across disciplines, including in international settings.

The research component of the position will be tailored to the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and stage of career development. The position offers opportunities for both professional and research-related development.

Qualifications

We expect that you:

• hold a degree in Dentistry
• hold Danish authorisation as a dentist, or fulfil the requirements for obtaining Danish authorisation
• possess clinical competencies
• have experience with, or a strong interest in, research within the field of dentistry
• have experience with, or a strong interest in, teaching and student supervision
• are motivated to make an active contribution to the development of a new Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology
• thrive in an interdisciplinary university environment, and
• have strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.

Appointment to the position requires academic qualifications at master's degree level in accordance with the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

What we offer

You will become part of a growing department and have a unique opportunity to contribute to its academic development and strategic direction from an early stage.

We offer, among other things:

• the opportunity to help shape new educational programmes from the very beginning
• a strong research-based university environment
• close integration of research, clinical practice, and teaching
• excellent opportunities for academic and career development
• involvement in the establishment and development of the Research Unit APEX, and
• a dedicated and ambitious collegial environment with a strong focus on quality, collaboration, and innovation.

About the department

The Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology has been established to support the University of Southern Denmark’s new Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes.

The department is committed to educating the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists through research-based teaching, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, clinical training, and close collaboration with the wider healthcare sector.

Our vision is to establish an internationally recognised research and educational environment in which clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration form the foundation for educating the oral healthcare professionals of the future.

Application deadline

October 19, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CET/CEST).

Contact

Further information about the position may be obtained from Professor and Head of Research Torben H. Thygesen, tthygesen@health.sdu.dk, +45 22 34 13 64, or Acting Head of Department and Dean Jakob Grauslund jgrauslund@health.sdu.dk, +45 93 50 70 42.

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). 

The position as research assistant is placed within salary steps 4–8 of the Danish state salary scale, depending on seniority. In addition, a centrally agreed research assistant allowance is paid, and further qualification- and function-related allowances may be negotiated. 

The work location will be at Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M.

Application 

Applications must be submitted electronically through SDU’s online job portal. 

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply. 

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total): 

• a motivation letter 
• a detailed CV 
• degree certificates (inclusive of master’s degree) 
• an explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position

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. 

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

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. 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 part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.  

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.  

Join us in shaping the future of dentistry

We are seeking ambitious colleagues who wish to contribute to more than teaching alone. We invite dentists with a passion for academic development, research, and education to join us in building a new academic environment and educating the oral healthcare professionals of the future.

Together, we are creating the foundation for Denmark’s newest Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology and shaping the future of dental education and research.

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