Fundraiser for Aarhus University, AU Flakkebjerg

Would you like to support the development of research and innovation to address the major challenges of our time within the green transition of the agricultural and food sectors in Denmark?

We are seeking an experienced, structured, and collaborative fundraiser for the Department of Agroecology at AU Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University.

As a fundraiser, you will play a central role in executing the department’s funding strategy, including contributing to new research and development projects and supporting our work with national funding. The department has – and has had – many national projects funded by, among others, the Innovation Fund Denmark, GUDP, etc. However, there is potential for securing additional national funding for projects that deliver concrete solutions to societal challenges, and we aim to become even better at considering our funding opportunities within a strategic context.

Your work will, for example, include securing funding for our focus areas in close collaboration with our researchers, as well as ensuring that call texts are clearly communicated to researchers so we can support them in staying ahead of processes as much as possible.

Expected start date and duration

This is a permanent position with a start date 1 August or as soon as possible hereafter. 

We will have the first round of interviews in week 23. A possible 2nd round of interviews will be in week 25.

Job description

Your primary responsibility will be to support researchers in developing and formulating concrete grant applications. In addition, in close collaboration with the department management, researchers, and the Research- innovation and business committee, your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying national funding opportunities for potential research and development projects
• Creating connections between our researchers and potential partners in industry and society
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the department’s and faculty’s funding strategy
• Close collaboration with AU’s broader research support services, especially within the TECH faculty secretariat and other departments, as well as the central research support unit
• General communication of funding opportunities and follow-up on research and development funding within the department
• Contributing to pitch sessions for researchers’ project ideas

You will be part of the department’s secretariat within our funding team, which, in addition to you in Flakkebjerg, consists of two fundraising colleagues located at AU Viborg. In Flakkebjerg, part of the secretariat’s coordinators are also based, supporting researchers with daily administrative tasks.

Your profile

We are looking for someone who is skilled in and enjoys cross-functional collaboration, as the role involves extensive interaction with colleagues at the department, faculty, and across Aarhus University, as well as with our many partners. You have a solid professional foundation and are self-motivated and capable of managing your own workload. You can demonstrate relevant experience and tangible results, with a clear focus on supporting researchers’ interests.

Additional qualifications:

• You hold a relevant academic degree at a minimum of master’s level, preferably with knowledge of and experience in how to enhance innovation in grant applications, including identifying potential spin-outs
• You have solid experience from a similar role, with knowledge of both Danish and international research funding systems
• It is an advantage, but not a requirement, to speak and write Danish
• You are approachable, motivated, and outgoing by nature

Who we are

At the Department of Agroecology, our main goal is to contribute to sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems within the areas of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. We want to make a difference by contributing to both fundamental knowledge generation and the attainment of sustainable production systems via innovative research, contracted policy advice, and education. We offer professional laboratories, greenhouses, semi-field, and field-scale research facilities, advanced computing capacities as well as an extensive national and international researcher network.  The department consists of nine research sections with around 350 highly skilled employees, of which approximately 50% are scientific staff. More information can be found here.
We believe in encouraging inclusion, acceptance, and understanding by employing staff who bring unique perspectives to our department.
You will be part of the department’s secretariat within our funding team, which, in addition to you in Flakkebjerg, consists of two fundraising colleagues located at AU Viborg. In Flakkebjerg, part of the secretariat’s coordinators are also based, supporting researchers with daily administrative tasks.

What we offer

• A collaborative, international research environment that combines high academic standards with an informal and supportive atmosphere. We value accountability, curiosity, flexibility, and teamwork in everything we do.
• An inclusive and respectful workplace culture, where mutual trust, kindness, and professional dialogue are part of daily life. We encourage open communication and develop a cohesive sense of community across teams and disciplines.
• A flexible working environment that supports work-life balance and individual needs.
• An active institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – in recruitment, career development, and everyday interactions.
• An innovative and meaningful workplace where your work contributes to solving real-world challenges. No two days are alike, and we welcome creative thinking and new ideas.
• Support for international researchers and their families, including  Relocation Service and an Expat Partner Programme

Place of Work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Flakkebjerg, Slagelse. The affiliation will be with the Department of Agroecology.

For further information, please contact: Vice Head of Research, Henrik Brinch-Pedersen (phone: +45 51239017) or Head of Secretariat, Ida Thoft (phone: +45 23440212)

 

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 37,000 students (FTEs) and 8.700 employees and has an annual revenue of EUR 1.106 billion. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/