AGRO: Career site

• Focus: Independent research with supervision
• Goal: Develop research skills, publish early work, start a network, complete a PhD thesis
• Duration: Typically 3 years (full time)

​​​​​​​This is where your research career begins. A time to explore your field and build your foundation.

• Focus: Deepen your research profile, publish high-quality work
• Goal: Gain international experience, develop independence, create a network, show that you can collaborate with others
• Duration: Max 4 years at AU (combined across contracts)

A transitional phase where you grow as an independent researcher and prepare for the next step.

• Focus: Start building your own research group, gain teaching experience
• Goal: Secure funding, demonstrate leadership potential
• Duration: Typically 3–6 years

You’re expected to show potential for becoming a permanent academic staff member.

• Focus: Develop an independent research profile, build teaching experience
• Goal: Meet clear criteria for promotion to Associate Professor
• Duration: Typically 6 years
• Assessment: Midway evaluation + final tenure assessment

This is a structured career path with mentoring and support, designed to lead to a permanent Associate Professor position if expectations are met.

What’s different from a regular Assistant Professor?
While both roles may have similar day-to-day tasks, the tenure track position includes:

• A formal development plan
• Regular evaluations and feedback
• Clear performance expectations for promotion

• Focus: Lead research projects, supervise PhD students, contribute to university strategy
• Goal: Build a strong academic profile nationally and internationally
• Duration: Permanent position (tenured)

At this stage, you’re a key contributor to your field and your department.

• Focus: Strategic leadership, research excellence, mentorship
• Goal: Shape the research environment, influence policy and direction
• Duration: Permanent position

A leadership role in research, teaching, and academic citizenship.

• Not sure where you are on the path or what’s next?
• Talk to your supervisor or reach out to your section manager

• Develop research skills under supervision
• Deliver an original and high-quality PhD thesis
• Present at conferences, publish initial results
• Engage in some teaching (if relevant) and training activities

Focus: Learning the craft of research and beginning to contribute to your field.

• Conduct high-quality independent research
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Apply for independent research funding (e.g., postdoc grants)
• Gain international experience and build networks
• Prove that you can collaborate with others and participate in joint work with others
• Take on light teaching or co-supervision

Focus: Building your academic profile and preparing for an  independent career in collaboration with others.

• Develop an independent research agenda
• Publish regularly and with increasing impact
• Apply for external funding (individual or collaborative) and take on tasks as work package leader on joint projects.
• Teach and take formal teaching training
• Begin supervising students and participating in academic committees

Focus: Demonstrating your potential as an independent academic.

• Meet criteria outlined in your development plan
• Establish yourself as a research leader
• Secure competitive funding
• Teach and supervise at BSc, MSc, and PhD level
• Engage in outreach, collaboration, and academic citizenship

Focus: Preparing for promotion to Associate Professor through structured development.

• Lead research projects and supervise PhDs
• Publish consistently in strong journals
• Secure and manage external research funding
• Contribute to teaching strategy and curriculum development
• Mentor junior colleagues and take leadership roles in the department

Focus: Taking a leading role in research, collaboration, teaching, and university development.

• Provide strategic leadership in research and education
• Drive research excellence and innovation
• Build and lead strong research groups in a good and positive way
• Shape policy, mentor future leaders, and represent the university externally
• Take major leadership roles in the faculty and beyond

Focus: Leading academic development, both within AU and internationally.

• Postdoc → Assistant Professor: Not automatic; requires applying for a competitive position.
• Tenure Track: Includes regular evaluations (usually mid-term and final), with clear criteria for promotion.
• Assistant Professors not on tenure track can apply for promotion to Associate Professor through open calls.
• Associate Professors and Professors are employed permanently, but roles evolve with seniority and responsibility.

For more details, refer to:

• AU’s HR Guidelines on Academic Staff
• Tenure Track Guidelines

What happens if I go on parental leave or work part-time?
Academic careers don’t always follow a straight path. Life events, illness, or different work arrangements can affect how long you're in a position — and that’s okay. Aarhus University has policies in place to ensure fair treatment in these cases.

This section outlines common exceptions to standard time limits.

👶 Parental Leave

• Your contract can be extended by the duration of your parental leave.
• Applies to both mothers and fathers (or co-parents).
• Extensions are given when you contact your HR representative.

Example: If you take 6 months parental leave during a postdoc, your maximum employment may be extended from 4 years to 4 years and 6 months.

🤒 Sick Leave or Long-Term Illness

• Extended sick leave may also qualify for contract extension.
• Requires documentation and approval via HR.

You won’t be penalised for health-related absences.

🧩 Part-Time Employment

• Time limits are usually not prorated if you’re employed part-time (e.g. 50% over 3 years = equivalent of 3 years full-time).
• Applies especially to postdocs and assistant professors.

Contract length and expectations are adjusted accordingly.

🌍 Leave of Absence or External Grants

• Time spent on research leave or secondments (e.g. Marie Curie fellowships abroad) may or may not count toward AU’s time limits — it depends on how your contract is structured.
• Clarify with HR when planning time away from AU.

🔁 Changing Roles within AU

• If you move between departments or funding sources, your time still counts toward the max duration (especially for postdocs).
• Important to track total time employed at AU, even if roles change.

🗂️ Check with HR Early

Rules can depend on your specific contract and funding source. If in doubt, reach out to your local HR contact early — it's easier to make adjustments before a contract ends.

Inside academia:

• Most research groups and departments operate in English, but:
  • Teaching at undergraduate level is often in Danish
  • Meetings, committees, and university communication are sometimes in Danish
  • Long-term academic positions often expect or require Danish for full participation
• Learning Danish signals commitment to staying in Denmark

Outside academia:

If you're considering work in industry, the public sector, or NGOs, Danish is often essential Even in international companies, Danish may be needed for:

• Collaborating with local partners and customers
• Internal communication and staff integration
• Career progression and leadership roles

You don’t have to be fluent right away — but aiming for intermediate level (B1/B2) over time is a good goal.

A strong foundation allows you to:

• Follow conversations in meetings
• Read work-related documents and emails
• Give basic presentations or respond in Danish when needed
• Integrate more fully in Danish society

AU offers Danish language classes for international staff and researchers, and even for their spouses. You will have to pay a deposit when you sign up for the class, but if you finish within the first five years after you have entered Denmark the money is refunded when you pass the module. If you take lessons after 5 years, you can have the deposit refunded by AGRO when you pass the module.

You can also:

• Join municipal Danish classes (e.g., Sprogcenter)
• Use online platforms or apps (e.g., Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise)
• Practice informally with colleagues or language buddies
• Watch Danish TV or listen to podcasts with subtitles

💡 Many internationals find that learning Danish boosts their sense of belonging, both professionally and socially — and can be a key step in building a future in Denmark.

• You don’t have to speak perfect Danish. What matters is making an effort and showing curiosity. Small steps count — and the sooner you start, the easier it gets!

Thinking of staying in Denmark long-term? Here’s how Danish can support your career:

🔲 I know whether Danish is required in my current role
🔲 I understand where Danish is important for career advancement
🔲 I’ve looked into Danish classes offered by the university or municipality
🔲 I’ve considered how Danish could help me integrate socially and professionally
🔲 I’ve made a small step (e.g. app, intro course, conversation practice)
🔲 I understand that learning Danish is a process — and I don’t need to be fluent overnight
🔲 I know that even basic Danish is appreciated and valuable in the workplace

A strong professional network is more than just knowing people — it's about building meaningful connections that can support your career, spark ideas, and open doors to opportunities.

Networking can help you to:

• Find collaborators for future research projects
• Get invited to join proposals or consortia
• Learn about funding opportunities or job openings early
• Receive informal mentoring and advice
• Strengthen your research profile and visibility
• Explore career paths beyond academia (e.g., in industry, policy, or NGOs)

1. Academic Network (local & international)
   • Colleagues at your institution
   • Researchers in your field (at other universities or conferences)
   • Supervisors, mentors, and collaborators
2. Interdisciplinary & Strategic Collaborations
   • Cross-departmental projects
   • Interdisciplinary centers or research initiatives
   • International networks or EU consortia
3. Professional Network Beyond Academia
   • Industry contacts (e.g., through innovation projects or internships)
   • Policy advisors, government agencies, NGOs
   • Alumni from your institution or program working outside academia

Start small and be intentional. You can grow your network step-by-step.

Ways to get started:

• Talk to people at your institution – join working groups, attend seminars
• Participate in conferences – ask questions, follow up afterward
• Use LinkedIn or Twitter/X professionally – share your work and connect
• Join a professional society – volunteer or attend events
• Reach out to researchers you admire – suggest a (brief) online meeting
• Be visible – present your work, offer to give talks
• Say yes (selectively) – to reviewing, panel participation, or teaching invitations
• Collaborate on small things first – papers, workshops, grant applications

• Be genuine – think relationship, not transaction
• Be curious – ask people about their work
• Be generous – share opportunities and credit
• Be strategic – think about where you want to grow and who can help
• Follow up with a short message or thank-you — people remember that

✅ Networking & Collaboration Checklist for Early Career Researchers

Use this checklist to grow your academic and professional network step by step.

✔️ I understand that networking is about relationships, not just “contacts”
✔️ I am open to collaboration both within and outside my field
✔️ I see networking as a key part of my career development

✔️ I know the researchers in my own group/department
✔️ I attend internal events, talks, or seminars regularly
✔️ I’ve joined working groups, committees, or reading groups

✔️ I follow key people or groups in my field on Twitter/X or LinkedIn
✔️ I have reached out to at least one external researcher to discuss shared interests
✔️ I’ve joined a professional society or research network in my field
✔️ I’ve considered attending or presenting at a conference this year

✔️ I’ve looked for small collaboration opportunities (e.g. co-authoring a paper, reviewing together)
✔️ I have co-supervised or supported a student project
✔️ I have presented my work at least once this year (talk or poster)
✔️ I’ve shared a recent success or publication on a professional platform

✔️ I follow up with people I meet (e.g. after a talk or conference)
✔️ I’ve had a short online coffee or call with a new contact
✔️ I try to be helpful — by sharing opportunities, events, or feedback
✔️ I keep track of my connections in a list, spreadsheet, or contact manager

✔️ I’ve thought about what kind of collaborations I’d like to build
✔️ I’ve considered which sectors I’d like to connect more with (e.g. industry, policy)
✔️ I have set one or two networking goals for the next 6 months

The following topics could be discussed.

📌 General Focus of the Postdoc Period

• What is the main research focus or project?
• Are there specific goals or deliverables expected?
• What level of independence is expected?
• Is the postdoc expected to build or lead collaborations?

• How many publications are realistic/expected?
• Will there be first-authored or co-authored papers?
• Are there any planned co-publications with supervisor(s)?

• Is the postdoc expected (or encouraged) to apply for:
  • Postdoc fellowships?
  • Project funding (e.g. Sapere Aude, ERC Starting Grant)?
• Will support be provided for this (e.g. feedback, mentoring, internal reviews)?

• Will the postdoc have teaching responsibilities?
  • If yes, how much and in what format?
• Is the postdoc expected to co-supervise BSc/MSc/PhD students?
• Will there be teaching training or certification available?

• Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration?
• Is the postdoc encouraged to build external networks?
• Will they attend or present at conferences or workshops?

• What are the postdoc’s career ambitions (inside or outside academia)?
• Are there any development goals they should focus on (e.g. leadership, teaching, grant writing)?
• Will a Career Development Dialogue be scheduled within the first 6–12 months?

• What is expected of the postdoc in terms of:
  • Workplace presence (onsite/remote)
  • Communication style/frequency
  • Proactiveness and ownership of tasks
• What kind of support or guidance will the section manager or PI provide?

• Set key goals or milestones for the first 6–12 months
• Schedule a follow-up check-in (e.g. after 6 months)
• Agree on how and when feedback will be given