The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for the position of Special Consultant to support and advance research and collaboration at the interface of science, policy, and business. The role will focus on developing and applying systems-based approaches to accelerate the transition towards sustainable agriculture and societal transformation. The position is open from 1 January 2026 for a duration of two years.

Objectives

• Develop systems-based approaches to bridge agroecological knowledge with transformative strategies for policy and business.
• Facilitate the spin-off of transdisciplinary processes and tools that support societal transformation towards sustainable agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research to advance systems-based approaches and action research in societal transformation.
• Publish research findings and effectively communicate results to academic and practitioner communities.
• Lead work packages and initiate new research projects at the intersection of science, policy, and business.
• Build and promote transdisciplinary collaborations within Aarhus University and with external partners.

Research Focus

• Integration of ecological and social sciences into transformative sustainability practices for policy and business.
• Incorporation of practitioner knowledge alongside ecological and social sciences.
• Development of effective transdisciplinary strategies, processes, and tools for transformative change.
• Engagement with pilot practitioner projects to demonstrate the viability and benefits of systems thinking in business transformations.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Deep knowledge and practical experience with regulatory environmental assessments, legal frameworks, and decision-making processes.
• Research proficiency and an extensive publication record in environmental sciences, risk assessment, and systems analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues and scientific insights into actionable strategies and solutions.
• An extensive professional network and demonstrated ability to engage across academia, regulatory bodies, and industry sectors.

 

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.
 

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

Living and working in Denmark

• Subsidised childcare and free education from primary school through university.
• Universal healthcare for you and your family as residents.
• Five weeks of paid holiday per year.
• Generous parental leave – up to 52 weeks shared between parents, with full or partial salary.

Place of Work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Campus Aarhus. The affiliation will be with the Department of Agroecology.

More information can be obtained from Niels Holst niels.holst@agro.au.dk 
 

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/