Assistant Professor in Companion Animal Surgery (DipECVS or DipACVS)
The University of Copenhagen invites applicants for an Assistant Professor and ECVS or ACVS diplomate of Companion Animal Surgery at the Section for Diagnostic Imaging, Companion Animal Surgery and Clinical Specialties, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences to commence 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The employment is for 4 years. Information about the Department can be found at:
About us
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences encompasses strong and internationally recognised research areas within clinical veterinary sciences. We aim to set new standards for cross‑disciplinary research, education, and innovation within animal health and disease, while fostering an inclusive workplace built on Scandinavian principles of flat structure, openness, mutual respect, and collaboration. Our research underpins high‑quality teaching and continuous national and international benchmarking.
The Section for Diagnostic Imaging, Companion Animal Surgery and Clinical Specialties has a strong interdisciplinary research platform spanning both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. Research within the section covers basic, translational and clinical science, with a focus on advancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of surgical disease. Particular emphasis is placed on improving patient outcomes through comparative and evidence-based research, supported by extensive national and international collaborations.
The Section holds clinical teaching and service obligations in companion animal surgery, neurology, cardiology, oncology, dentistry, rehabilitation, as well as contributions to emergency medicine, with extensive national and international collaborations.
The Companion Animal Surgery group consists of enthusiastic faculty and clinical staff, including Danish specialists in companion animal surgery and European Diplomates in Veterinary Dentistry and in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as an affiliated Professor (DipECVS). The group maintains a strong international network with leading veterinary and human surgeons.
Research in the group spans basic, translational, and clinical studies across soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery. Current activities include:
Biomarkers of surgical disease, treatment response and recovery
Advanced imaging and image-guided approaches in surgical decision‑making
3D printing and digital technologies in surgical planning, education and veterinary precision medicine
Clinical and translational studies of soft tissue and orthopaedic disorders
Surgical oncology, including fluorescence-guided imaging and novel treatment approaches
Biomechanics, implants and surgical techniques
Rehabilitation, physiotherapy and musculoskeletal pain research
Outcome assessment, quality improvement and evidence-based surgery
Comparative studies relevant to both animal and human health
The group runs a busy referral service, seeing predominantly secondary and tertiary care surgery cases while also supporting first‑opinion surgery. We provide continuous professional education for practising veterinarians and contribute to the international postgraduate Master’s programme in Companion Animal Clinical Sciences ( www.cacs.ku.dk ).
Job description
This is an academic position with combined responsibilities in research, teaching, supervision, and clinical service.
The successful applicant is expected to develop and maintain an independent, internationally visible research profile in companion animal surgery, closely integrated with the Section’s clinical and translational research activities. Teaching and clinical duties within the University Hospital for Companion Animals form an integral part of the position, ensuring strong interaction between research, clinical practice, and education.
At the Assistant Professor level, the position is aimed at candidates with clear potential for academic development and career progression to Associate Professor.
The academic responsibilities of the position will include:
Research
Conducting internationally competitive research in companion animal surgery
Establishing and developing an independent research line aligned with the Section’s strategic priorities
Publishing research in recognised, peer‑reviewed international journals
Actively seeking external research funding
Contributing to national and international research collaboration
Integrating clinical work with translational and/or comparative research activities
Teaching and supervision
Teaching and examination in companion animal surgery at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
Clinical teaching and supervision of veterinary students, interns, residents, and visiting clinicians
Supervision of Bachelor’s, Veterinary thesis, and postgraduate Master’s thesis projects;
Contribution to curriculum development, course coordination, and pedagogical innovation
Participation in continuing professional education and postgraduate programmes
Clinical service
Participation in clinical service at the University Hospital for Companion Animals within soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery
Contribution to the development of clinical guidelines and evidence‑based surgical practice
Supporting the integration of clinical casework into research and teaching activities
Academic citizenship and knowledge exchange
Participation in department and section academic activities and committees
Contribution to knowledge exchange with the veterinary profession and society, including professional outreach and continuing education
Required qualifications
For appointment at assistant professor level, applicants must be able to document
A DVM degree with eligibility to obtain authorisation to practise veterinary medicine in Denmark, or a willingness to obtain Danish licensure within 6 months
European or American College of Veterinary Surgery Board certification or board eligibility in companion animal surgery (DipECVS-CA or DipACVS-CA)
Clinical experience at a specialized level, preferably from a university veterinary teaching hospital or specialist referral practice
Documented research qualifications at PhD level or equivalent
Documented peer reviewed scientific publications of high quality relevant to the field
Ability to develop an independent research profile within companion animal surgery
Excellent communication skills and speaks and understands English (spoken and written).
Desirable Qualifications
Teaching experience or demonstrated potential for university-level teaching
Proficiency in Danish or willingness to learn within 3 years of employment according to UCPH policy.
Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.
General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant Professors at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.
For Assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .
Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 4 years.
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
For further information, please contact: Professor James Miles, jami@sund.ku.dk .
Foreign applicants may find information about working and living in Denmark at: https://www.ism.ku.dk/ .
Application
The application must be submitted in English and include:
Application (max 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae
Diplomas
A complete list of publications
Upload of maximum 5 publications to be considered in the evaluation
Teaching portfolio and teaching plan (Guidelines: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/job-application-portfolio )
Application procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview
Information about the recruitment process is available at: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .
Applicants will be assessed according to Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Application deadline: 27 September 2026, 23.59 CET
Interviews are expected to be held in: October 2026
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.