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Memorandum
Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2007
General comments
This memorandum stipulates the job structure and the contents of the job
categories which may be assigned to academic staff at universities under the
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The job structure which comes into effect on 1 January 2007 constitutes a
revision of the structure of 1 January 2005 and applies to posts advertised on or
after 1 January 2007. For positions that do not require advertisement, the job
structure is valid for posts that are filled on and after 1 January 2007.
The job structure provides the framework for the positions. The university
management defines the specific job content and specifies the tasks in the
individual advertisements.
The exact provisions regarding advertisement and assessment are stipulated in
the Ministerial Order in force at any time on the appointment of lecturers and
academic staff at universities (the Appointment Order).
Attention is, furthermore, drawn to the Fixed-Term Employment Act, the
objective of which is, among other things, to define a framework that will prevent
abuse of the system as a result of multiple consecutive fixed-term posts. Under
the Act, the renewal of multiple consecutive fixed-term posts held by employees
involved in teaching and research activity may not take place more than twice, cf.
Section 5 (2) of the Act. Subsequent employment in a new job category is not
regarded as renewal subject to the Act.
In connection with absence due to maternity/paternity leave or adoption leave as
well as long-term illness, the maximum limits for the total employment period set
out in this memorandum are prolonged corresponding to the length of the period
of absence.
Staff who at the commencement of this job structure are employed according to
the previous job structure, or who are employed at sector research institutes that
are integrated into universities, and who therefore are employed according to the
job structure of sector research institutes retain their present job titles and
employment conditions.
Revision of the job structure
The revision of the job structure has taken place within the framework of the
University Act. The job structure must, therefore, be implemented in accordance
with the provisions of the Act, including among other things the provisions
regarding researchers’ freedom of expression and freedom of research
Thus, it appears from section 2 (2) of the University Act that the university has
freedom of research and shall safeguard this freedom and ensure the ethics of
science.
It appears, furthermore, from section 17 (2) that the Head of Department may
allocate specific jobs to specific employees. Members of the academic staff are
free to conduct research within the strategic framework laid down by the
university for its research activities to the extent that they have not been allocated
such jobs.
It appears, furthermore, from the explanatory notes that the individual researcher
enjoys freedom of research within the academic field of his/her employment,
although bound by the obligations arising out of the employment. This means
that the individual researcher can freely choose methodology, approach and
subject within the research strategies of the university as laid down in the
performance contract. By virtue of his/her powers to issue instructions, the Head
of Department can instruct a researcher to address a particular task. To the extent
that a researcher is not instructed to address any such tasks, a researcher is free to
conduct research within the research strategies of the university.
Lastly, it appears from section 2 (3) of the University Act that the university as a
central knowledge-based body and cultural repository shall exchange knowledge
and competencies with society and encourage its employees to take part in the
public debate.
Structure of the Memorandum
In connection with the revision, the structure of the Memorandum concerning the
job structure has been changed, which means that positions that may be used
within the entire university field will, in future, be categorised according to level.
The positions have been divided up into the following levels:
1. Positions below the level of assistant professor
2. Positions at the level of assistant professor
3. Positions at the level of associate professor
4. Positions at the level of professor
The job structure comprises, furthermore, a number of other job categories that
may be used within delimited areas.
Principal positions
In future, the principal positions will include assistant
professor/researcher/postdoc, associate professor/senior researcher, professor
with special responsibilities, and professor. The principal positions constitute
coherent career progression.
The universities’ core activities consist of conducting research and providing
research-based teaching up to the highest international level. Therefore, the
principal positions involve both research – including the duty to publish and
disseminate academic material – and research-based teaching.
The university may, furthermore, provide research-based Public Sector
Consultancy, including guidance, public authority tasks, development work,
communication and operational duties. In connection with appointments to the
job varieties of researcher and senior researcher, the university may, in this
connection, under certain circumstances and to a limited extent deviate from the
requirement that the posts must include teaching responsibilities, for example in
the case of researchers from sector research institutes or the business community
who have no experience of teaching but possess other relevant competencies. It
is, furthermore, possible to a limited extent in special fields, e.g. museums,
libraries and the forensic areas to allow teaching responsibilities to be replaced
wholly or partly by other academic duties incumbent on the place of
employment.
It is the responsibility of the university management at all levels to ensure
coherence between the research conducted and the educational programmes
provided by the university. Similarly, it is the responsibility of the university
management to ensure that the balance between research and teaching is
maintained in order for the university to be able at all times to cover the need for
research-based teaching and thus meet its obligation to conduct research and
provide research-based education up to the highest international level.
Integration of sector research into universities
Positions at sector research institutes that are integrated into universities must in
future be filled according to the universities’ job structure. Sector research posts
such as researcher, project researcher, senior researcher, project senior researcher
and research professor have, in this connection, been integrated into the
university positions of assistant professor, associate professor and professor. At
the same time, the post of postdoc has been integrated into the assistant professor
position.
The new broad positions of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc and associate
professor/senior researcher may be implemented in the job varieties described in
the job structure. Positions at the level of associate professor will include
associate professor and senior researcher. Positions at the level of assistant
professor will include assistant professor, researcher and postdoc. The job title of
the employee depends on the variety of the general position in which the person
concerned is employed.
Transfer from one job variety to another may take place as a consequence of a
change of tasks as these are allocated by the Head of the unit in question. It is
recommended that changes to the composition of an employee’s tasks should be
discussed between the employee and his or her Head of unit. Similarly, in
connection with transfer from one job variety to another, it should be taken into
consideration that the employee should be ensured a composition of tasks
enabling continued academic development. Transfer from one job variety to
another requires no job advertisement. Pursuant to the Fixed-term Employment
Act, job varieties are regarded as one general position.
Integration of clinical positions into the ordinary job structure
In connection with the revision, the clinical job structure has been partly
integrated in the ordinary job structure. It remains a basic assumption that
positions in the clinical field are closely linked to the treatment of patients. Thus,
it is normally assumed that an employee holding a clinical position has,
concurrently, a position involving the treatment of patients. A medical position,
for example, requires typically employment at a hospital with teaching
responsibilities, or that the employee operates a general practice.
Description of the individual positions
1. Positions below the level of assistant professor
1.1. PhD Fellow
The post of PhD fellow is a fixed-term education position.
The appointment of PhD fellows is subject to the protocol to the agreement
covering staff with university degrees in the state sector.
PhD fellows may be employed in the clinical area.
1.2. Research Assistant
The post of research assistant is a fixed-term academic position. The principal
duties are research and/or teaching. A minor part of working time may be spent
on academic development as well as the performance of other responsibilities.
The post is held for a maximum of three years. Reappointment is not possible. At
the end of the period of employment, the post is terminated without further
notice.
Applicants for the post of research assistant must have a master’s degree.
1.3. Assistant Lecturer
The post of assistant lecturer is a part-time position with a view to independent
performance of teaching duties, normally of an elementary nature, or instruction
that supplements teaching provided at the level of assistant professor, associate
professor or professor. Assistant lecturers carry out teaching activities in the
relevant subject according to the regulations of the institution. Assistant lecturers
must have special permission to act as examiners.
The post is held for a maximum of three years. Reappointment is possible to the
extent this is in accordance with the Fixed-Term Employment Act, cf. above. The
specific number of hours, etc., is fixed for each semester within the agreed
framework.
Applicants for the post of assistant lecturer must have a master’s degree.
1.4. Part-time Lecturer
The post of part-time lecturer is a part-time position with main emphasis on the
performance of qualified teaching duties. The objective of a part-time lectureship
is to enable the appointment of lecturers with relevant practical experience or
special qualifications at high level.
Part-time lecturers must independently plan and implement teaching activities
according to the institution’s regulations, hold lectures, prepare and carry out
examinations and other assessments.
Both permanent and fixed-term employment is possible. The specific number of
hours and any participation in examinations, etc., is fixed for each semester
within the agreed framework.
Applicants for the post of part-time lecturer must have a master’s degree as well
as additional qualifications at high level, for example particular areas of
specialisation, expertise or practical experience achieved through employment
involving practical application of the discipline. Teaching qualifications form
part of the basis of the assessment.
2. Positions at the level of assistant professor
2.1 The post of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc
Applicants for the post of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc must hold
academic qualifications at PhD level.
The post of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc may take the form of a fixedterm
post held for a maximum of four years – in the clinical area, however, up to
five years – or a permanent post as part of which the employee after a maximum
of four years transfers to a position of associate professor/senior researcher/senior
adviser, provided that the employee, with the agreement of the university, is
recommended for assessment and is deemed qualified.
If the position is permanent, the assessment will normally take place within the
last six months of the appointment. Employees with credit for previous posts
within a relevant area may submit a request to be assessed at an earlier date.
Assessments may not be conducted more than twice.
If the employee fails to submit a request to have his or her qualifications assessed
within four years, or if the second assessment is not positive, the employment
authorities must immediately initiate dismissal proceedings according to the
collective agreement rules.
The university decides whether a position should be advertised as a fixed-term
post or a permanent post. The university and an employee in a fixed-term
position may in the course of the employment reach agreement on transfer to
permanent employment. Transfer to permanent employment requires no job
advertisement.
The reappointment of an employee in a fixed-term position is possible. However,
appointment at the level of assistant professor may not exceed eight years, of
which a maximum of six years as a fixed-term employee at the same institution.
After six years as a fixed-term employee at the same institution, the employee
leaves the post unless permanent appointment is obtained. It is a basic
assumption that the employee provides information regarding previous posts.
When the position is advertised, it must be clearly stipulated whether the post is
fixed-term or permanent. Both fixed-term and permanent posts must be filled in
the normal manner according to the rules of the Appointment Order, including
the rules on advertising and assessment.
Employees holding positions of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc may use
the job title of assistant professor, researcher or postdoc. The job title depends on
which of the varieties below of the general position the employee is appointed to.
The post of assistant professor/researcher/postdoc is basically a full-time
position, but employment on a part-time basis is also possible.
A. Assistant Professor
An assistant professorship is a further-education post. The main responsibilities
are research (including publication/academic dissemination duties) and researchbased
teaching (with associated examination duties). In addition to research and
research-based teaching, the post may also include a duty to share knowledge
with the rest of society. In addition, assistant professors may be asked to perform
other duties.
The university determines the exact ratio between the various responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time, but a balance has to be struck for the assistant
professor to be able to improve his or her qualifications in areas relevant to the
position (typically research and teaching).
Supervision is provided, as well as the opportunity to enhance pedagogical
competencies with a view to a written assessment of the assistant professor’s
teaching qualifications.
In the clinical area, an assistant professorship that may carry the job title ’clinical
assistant professorship’ is normally filled in relation to a position involving the
treatment of patients.
On appointment as assistant professor, merit is given for previous employment as
postdoc in a relevant area.
B. Postdoc
The post of postdoc is a fixed-term academic position. Normally, the post will be
heavily weighted in favour of research. In addition, a certain amount of teaching
may also be required. Other duties may, furthermore, have to be performed to a
limited extent.
The university determines the exact ration between the various responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time.
The position contains no enhancement of pedagogical competencies. The post of
postdoc, therefore, may not alone qualify for appointment as associate
professor/senior researcher.
C. Researcher
The post of researcher is a further-education position. The main responsibilities
are research (including publication/academic dissemination duties) and researchbased
Public Sector Consultancy. In addition, a certain amount of teaching may
also be required. Other duties may, furthermore, have to be performed to a
limited extent.
The university may in special circumstances and to a limited extent depart from
the requirement that the post must include teaching duties.
The university determines the exact ratio between the various responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time, but a balance has to be struck for the researcher to
be able to improve his or her qualifications in areas relevant to the position
(typically research, research-based Public Sector Consultancy and teaching).
Supervision is provided, as well as the opportunity to enhance pedagogical
competencies with a view to a written assessment of the researcher’s teaching
qualifications.
On appointment as researcher, merit is given for previous employment as postdoc
in a relevant area.
3. Positions at the level of associate professor
3.1. The post of associate professor/senior researcher
Applicants for a position of associate professor/senior researcher are assessed on
the basis of the qualifications stipulated in the job advertisement. Appointment as
associate professor/senior researcher depends on research qualifications at the
level that can be achieved by satisfactorily completing a period of employment as
an assistant professor/researcher/postdoc, but may also be obtained in other ways.
It is assumed that applicants have received supervision and enhancement of
pedagogical competencies and have received a positive written assessment of their
teaching qualifications. On appointment, other qualifications may also be
required, e.g. in relation to knowledge and technology transfer and, for example,
patenting and cooperation with external partier.
The post of associate professor/senior researcher normally takes the form of
permanent appointment, but may also be fixed-term, for example in connection
with the appointment of visiting associate professors or in connection with
special projects.
Employees holding positions of associate professor/senior researcher may use the
job title of associate professor or senior researcher. The job title depends on
which of the varieties below of the general position the employee is appointed to.
The post of associate professor/senior researcher is basically a full-time position,
but employment on a part-time basis is also possible.
A. Associate Professor
The associate professorship consists mainly of research (including
publication/academic dissemination duties) and research-based teaching (with
associated examination duties). In addition to research and research-based
teaching, the post may also include a duty to share knowledge with the rest of
society – including participation in public debate. Furthermore, associate
professors may be asked to manage research, provide guidance and supervision
of assistant professors and researchers as well as take part in academic
assessments.
The university determines the exact ratio between the different responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time.
In the clinical area, an associate professorship that may carry the job title
’clinical associate professorship’ is normally filled in relation to a position
involving the treatment of patients. If it is a matter of a medical position, it is a
basic assumption that the post requires specialist education or similar
qualifications.
B. Senior researcher
The post of senior researcher consists mainly of research (including
publication/academic dissemination duties) and research-based Public Sector
Consultancy. In addition, a certain amount of teaching may also be required.
Furthermore, senior researchers may be asked to manage research, provide
guidance and supervision of assistant professors and researchers as well as take
part in academic assessments.
The university may in special circumstances and to a limited extent depart from
the requirement that the post must include teaching duties.
The university determines the exact ratio between the various responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time.
4. Positions at the level of professor
4.1. Professor
The professorship consists mainly of research (including publication/academic
dissemination duties) and research-based teaching (with associated examination
duties). Moreover, research-based Public Sector Consultancy may be required. In
addition, the post may also include a duty to share knowledge with the rest of
society – including participation in public debate. Furthermore, professors may
be asked to manage research, provide guidance and supervision of assistant
professors and researchers as well as take part in academic assessments.
The university determines the exact ratio between the different responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time.
In the clinical area, a professorship that may carry the job title ’clinical
professorship’ is normally filled in relation to a consultancy. If it is a matter of a
medical position, it is thus a basic assumption that the post requires specialist
education or similar qualifications.
Applicants for a position of professor are assessed on the basis of the
qualifications stipulated in the job advertisement, but must also be able to
document a high degree of original academic production at international level,
which documents that the applicant has contributed to developing the academic
discipline. Emphasis must also be placed on an assessment of the applicant’s
ability to manage research and any other management functions, for example in
relation to the university’s cooperation with the outside world. On appointment,
other qualifications may also be required, e.g. in relation to knowledge and
technology transfer and, for example, patenting and cooperation with external
partier.
4.2. Professor with Special Responsibilities
The post of professor with special responsibilities involves fixed-term specific
functions as well as duties that are otherwise associated with professorships. The
special responsibilities may last three to five years, with the option of a further
extension, which means that total employment represents a maximum of eight
years.
Normally, the positions are established with a view to appointing particularly
talented, preferably young researchers to develop a promising discipline at
international level. The position must be within one of the university’s core
activities, a selected priority or an area in which there is a special need for high
academic competence as part of the development of a new field of research or
education.
The ratio between the different responsibilities may vary over time for the
individual post holder, although emphasis must be placed on the performance of
one or more of the special responsibilities. The terms of employment may include
research management.
At the end of the period, the special responsibilities are discontinued and the
employee in question transfers to a position of associate professor at the
university. In the clinical area, the person in question transfers to a clinical
associate professorship with regard to the part of the appointment that is linked to
a university.
The qualification requirements correspond to those of ordinary professorships.
Emphasis must, however, be placed on whether the applicant has the potential to
continue the development of the discipline and has documented original
academic production at international level. Special emphasis must also be placed
on an assessment of the applicant’s opportunities to perform the special
responsibility or responsibilities associated with the specific post.
In the clinical area, a professorship with special responsibilities is normally filled
in relation to a consultancy. If it is a matter of a medical position, it is thus a
basic assumption that the post requires specialist education or similar
qualifications.
5. Special positions
5.1. Senior Adviser
The main responsibilities of a senior adviser consist of research-based Public
Sector Consultancy and the communication of research results to authorities, the
business community and society in general. Senior advisers also have a duty to
keep up-to-date regarding a broad academic area, conduct analyses of broad
academic problems and disseminate these in an academically proper manner. The
post may also include teaching and research.
The university determines the exact ratio between the different responsibilities.
The ratio may vary over time.
Applicants for a position of senior adviser are assessed on the basis of the
qualifications stipulated in the job advertisement. Appointment as senior adviser
depends on research qualifications at the level that can be achieved by
satisfactorily completing a period of employment as an assistant
professor/researcher/postdoc, but may also be obtained in other ways. On
appointment, other qualifications may also be required, for example that the
applicant, independently, has performed considerable advisory and communication
tasks for authorities, the business community or society in general.
5.2. Teaching Assistant Professor/Teaching Associate Professor
At certain institutions/study programmes, assistant professorships and associate
professorships may be filled by full-time teachers. These positions are to be
found at
Applied languages programmes at the Business Schools, University of
Southern Denmark and Aalborg University
Economics programmes at the Aarhus School of Business
Institute of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Copenhagen
Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics at the University of
Southern Denmark
Sports Science programme at Aarhus University
Access courses for the technical-scientific study programmes at Aalborg
University and the Technical University of Denmark
Courses where the teaching is either of a creative, practical or artistic
nature, remedial with no entitlement to merits, or concern introductory
courses in the humanities and theology faculties.
The posts include teaching and related tasks. They may also involve academic
development tasks.
During the assistant professorship, the institution must make sure that the
assistant professor receives pedagogical supervision and guidance. This is the
duty of an associate professor or professor, and the institution defines the details
and scope of this. The terms and conditions for associate professors include
supervision duties.
The posts are normally permanent full-time positions. The posts are advertised as
assistant professorships or associate professorships, depending on the relevant
qualifications. Six months at the latest before the end of the sixth year of
employment, a written assessment of the assistant professor’s teaching
qualifications must be submitted. If the assessment is positive, the job title of
associate professor is bestowed.
If an applicant for a teaching assistance/associate professorship has acquired
special qualifications significant to the duties associated with the post without,
however, being qualified for appointment as associate professor, an assistant
professorship may be granted for a shorter period than six years and the associate
professor assessment take place correspondingly sooner. Direct appointment as
teaching associate professor can take place, but is always conditional on the
applicant being positively assessed before the appointment, and normally also
having had at least six years’ relevant work experience.
Applicants for the post of teaching assistant professor and teaching associate
professor must have a master’s degree.
5.3. Instructor on BSc in engineering and export engineering courses
For these positions, reference is made to the Ministry of Finance Circular and
associated memorandum from the Ministry of Education on the BSc in
engineering and the degree in export engineering.
5.4. Clinical Associate Professor
A clinical associate professorship is a part-time post with a view to performing
qualified teaching duties, including examinations for medical students and
students of clinical biomechanics at hospitals that provide teaching in clinical
disciplines as well as guidance in research training.
The clinical associate professor must independently plan and carry put teaching
activities in the relevant department or unit’s area of specialisation and within its
current curriculum. The teaching comprises lectures, courses and examinations,
guidance regarding research training as well as participation in assessment
committees for PhDs and doctorates. The position may include the development
of the discipline as well as other duties.
A clinical associate professor is normally appointed for a minimum of three years
and a maximum of five years. Reappointment is possible provided it is in
compliance with the Fixed-Term Employment Act, cf. above.
The qualification requirement for the clinical associate professor of medicine is a
master’s degree in medicine, specialist status as well as further teaching and
research qualifications, for example PhD or doctorate. The qualification
requirement for the clinical associate professor of clinical biomechanics is a
master’s degree in clinical biomechanics or similar. The qualification
requirement for the clinical associate professor of psychology is a master’s
degree in psychology and specialist status.
Appointment as clinical associate professor is conditional on the candidate being
declared qualified by an academic assessment committee. Teaching qualifications
form part of the basis for the assessment. A clinical associate professor is
normally expected to conduct research.
5.5. Clinical Assistant
The post of clinical assistant is a fixed-term position with a view to conducting
medical clinical research. As part of the position, clinical assistants also perform
other clinical duties.
Appointment as clinical assistant requires a master’s degree in medicine and
relevant clinical experience. The post is held for a maximum of four years.
Reappointment after four years is not possible. Reference is made to the Fixed-
Term Employment Act, cf. above.
5.6. Clinical Instructor
The post of clinical instructor is a part-time position with a view to providing
independent teaching and guidance duties at hospitals, in practices or clinics. The
instruction etc. supplements teaching provided at the level of assistant professor,
associate professor or professor. Clinical instructors must have special
permission to act as examiners. As part of the position, clinical instructors may
also perform other clinical duties.
A clinical instructor may be appointed for a maximum of three years.
Reappointment is possible to the extent it is in accordance with the Fixed-Term
Employment Act, cf. above. After the first period of employment, the
appointment of clinical instructors of odontology may be made permanent.
Applicants for the post of clinical instructor must have a relevant master’s
degree. Up-to-date experience of relevant clinical work may be required. Where
instruction or guidance is provided in a practice, the clinical instructor is required
to operate his or her own practice.
5.7. Specialist of Postgraduate Education in Odontology or Senior Clinical
Instructor in Dentistry
Specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or senior clinical instructor in
dentistry is a part-time position with a view to performing management
functions, teaching and treatment duties in connection with clinical teaching of
dentistry students. The specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or
senior clinical instructor in dentistry is responsible to the academic management
of the discipline.
The specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or senior clinical
instructor in dentistry is accountable to the academic management of the
discipline for managing, directing and coordinating the duties that are assigned to
the clinical instructors and for the ongoing assessment of the students. The
specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or senior clinical instructor in
dentistry participates in the planning, execution and adjustment of the teaching.
Furthermore, the specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or senior
clinical instructor in dentistry must participate in teaching-related activities, for
example the development of teaching material, examination of patients, trials of
new materials, methods and forms of treatment as well as assume responsibility
for the treatment of referred patients with treatment needs of particular teaching
interest.
Appointment is for a period of three years. The position may subsequently be
made permanent.
Applicants for the post of specialist of postgraduate education in odontology or
senior clinical instructor in dentistry must have a master’s degree in odontology
as well as clinical expertise at high level and experience of developing clinical
teaching material independently.
5.8. Postgraduate Fellow in Odontology
The training as postgraduate fellow in orthodontics takes place while employed
full-time.
The candidate follows a clinical programme of further education under
supervision.
The post of postgraduate fellow in odontology is advertised and candidates
assessed before appointment for a three-year period. Applicants for the post of
postgraduate fellow must have a master’s degree in odontology as well as two
years’ full-time employment in practical/clinical odontology, of which at least
one year spent on providing dental care for children.
5.9. Postgraduate Fellow in Psychology
The post of postgraduate fellow in psychology is a fixed-term education position.
The candidate follows a clinical programme of further education under
supervision.
Appointment is for one year with the option of extension for a further year.
Applicants for the post of postgraduate fellow in psychology must have a
master’s degree in psychology as well as subsequent clinical/psychological
experience.
5.10. Instructor of Social Theory and Methodology on the Social-Work
Programme at Aalborg University
The post of instructor of social theory and methodology is normally a permanent,
full-time position.
The post consists of teaching and similar duties compatible with the objectives of
the institution.
Applicants for the post of instructor of social theory and methodology must have
a social-work degree.