The USE Center seeks visionary leader to transform university science teaching

The new Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for University Science Education (USE Center) is searching for a visionary and experienced Center Leader. 

Backed by a DKK 125 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the USE Center is an ambitious research and development initiative rooted in discipline-based education research (DBER) at the university level. The new Center Leader will be instrumental in shaping the Center’s direction and impact. 

“This is a unique opportunity to help shape how science is taught at universities in the future,” said Interim Center Leader, Professor Jan Alexis Nielsen. 

“The USE Center is one of the largest initiatives in university level DBER in the world. And the potential impact of the Center is immense.” 

Internationally recognised 

The Center Leader will have overall academic, financial, and personnel responsibility. They will be charged with setting the strategic direction, establishing a strong internal and external profile, and set the overall common direction for an organisation consisting of geographically dispersed units.  

“We’re looking for someone who is internationally recognised for their work in discipline-based education research and has a deep familiarity with university teaching—ideally across multiple educational systems,” said Jan Alexis Nielsen. 

“The right candidate will bring solid experience with research-based educational development in science programs, along with the diplomatic and collaborative skills needed to work across institutions and disciplines.” 

Collaborative leadership 

In addition to leading research capacity development across participating universities, the Center Leader will spearhead research-informed changes in science teaching practices and university-level science programs.

They will also play a central role in identifying high-impact research and development initiatives, in close collaboration with partner institutions. 

“An inclusive, collaborative leadership style is key,” added Jan Alexis Nielsen.  

“We want someone who not only involves others but has a proven track record of successful leadership at the institutional or research programme level.” 

Vibrant and international department

The USE center is based in the Department of Science Education at the University of Copenhagen.

The new Center Leader will become a part of a department that brings together expertise from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to lead internationally in science and mathematics education, digital education, history and philosophy of science, and science communication. 

The Department currently employs approx. 100 persons – 28 of which are permanently employed researchers – many of whom are international.