Academic employee (AC-TAP) within Living Labs in Food Science

The Department of Food Science at Aarhus University invites applications for Academic employee within Living Labs in Food Science position at the AC-TAP level. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual with a strong interest in science-society interaction, stakeholder engagement, and communication of research related to sustainable food systems. The position is available from January 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Position
As Academic employee (AC-TAP) within Living Labs in Food Science, you will be a central figure in the design, coordination, and execution of Living Lab, public engagement, and stakeholder management activities related to food innovation, sustainability, and system transformation. You will work closely with researchers, industry partners, public sector stakeholders, and citizens to co-create solutions to real-world food system challenges.
Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the management and implementation of Living Lab and similarly minded projects by organizing workshops, dialogues, and co-creation activities.
• Helping coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement across research, industry, government, and civil society.
• Supporting communication and public engagement efforts, including preparation of communication materials (reports, social media, campaigns etc.) in collaboration with our science communicator and research team.
• Assisting researchers in translating scientific findings into formats suitable for different stakeholder groups.
• Managing relationships with external collaborators and ensuring active participation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contributing to funding applications, project proposals, and reporting.

The position is part of the Science Team of Food Quality Perception and Society. You will work closely with project managers, research scientists, and communication specialists to ensure that societal impact and relevance are at the forefront of project development and execution.

Qualifications
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• A relevant MSc degree in food science, sustainability, communication, innovation, or a related field.
• Proven experience with stakeholder and project management, preferably in interdisciplinary Living Lab, Public engagement, and/ or public-private partnership projects.
• Documented knowledge of Living Labs, participatory research, or user-centered innovation methods by participation in relevant training, courses, and/ or projects
• Strong science communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in communicating complex topics to non-specialist audiences.
• Experience organizing and facilitating workshops, focus groups, or citizen engagement events.
• A proactive, structured, and collaborative work approach, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Experience in data management, including handling of data involving personal or sensitive information, with an understanding of ethical standards, GDPR compliance (in a Danish context), and responsible data stewardship in research contexts.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Danish language skills are a plus but not required.

We Offer

• A vibrant, interdisciplinary, and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to work on innovative, high-impact projects at the interface between science and society.
• Professional development opportunities within project management, science communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/