Director, Centre on Population Dynamics (CPOP)

The Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPOP) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is a new cross disciplinary centre that brings together researchers from the faculties of Health, Science, Business and Social Sciences, and Humanities to collaborate on one of modern society’s most important issues: Aging – the causes and consequences for society. Understanding of and capability to address the challenges posed by longer, healthier lives require insightful, cross-disciplinary research. A key goal of CPOP is to have impact on public discussions and policy decisions about population aging and about social, economic, health, and cultural implications of longer lives, especially in Denmark but also internationally.

Interdisciplinary innovation is at the core of CPOP and much of its research involves modelling and analysing population dynamics and the application of statistical methods to large datasets. One of the major thrusts of CPOP is to develop better methods for forecasting life expectancy and age-specific health and survival, as well as forecasting population dynamics more generally. CPOP extends and expands the highly-successful Max Planck Odense Centre on the Biodemography of Aging.

CPOP is now seeking to appoint a Director to lead this new research centre. The Director will provide dynamic leadership to CPOP and its staff, and will have the vison and drive to develop the Centre and its position globally. With a proven track record in innovative leadership the successful candidate will be an internationally recognised researcher in a field relevant to the study of population change, especially population aging and survival dynamics, its patterns, causes and social, economic, health, cultural, artistic and/or personal consequences and/or its implications for public policy. Working in close collaboration with CPOP’s interdisciplinary research team and with the four heads of the faculties’ research units, the Director will develop and implement a strategy to further population aging research and to impact public discussions and policy decisions on the global stage.

The term of appointment will be for six years with an option for a further three years. SDU offers an attractive appointment package, which may include funding for a number of postdocs and a spouse programme.

The University has appointed Perrett Laver to conduct an international executive search for this post. Further information, including details of how to apply, can be downloaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference 3834. Enquiries may be made directly to Ilona Motyer (Ilona.motyer@perrettlaver.com; +44 207 340 6257).

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. A strategy plan for accomplishing the ambitions of CPOP will be requested from all selected candidates. The closing date for applications will be 9am CET Thursday 20th December. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary interviews with longlisted candidates in January. Candidates who are selected by the Committee will be invited for informal conversations, followed by formal interview in February.

The University wishes staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.