As Head of Administration, you will be a cornerstone of AU FOOD’s daily operations and strategic development. You will lead a skilled team of six administrative colleagues, ensuring that both researchers and management receive the best possible support. Reporting directly to the Head of Department, you will be part of the daily leadership team and a close sparring partner in strategic and financial management.

This is not just an administrative position – it is an opportunity to shape the environment where innovation thrives and to enable groundbreaking research that contributes to sustainable food systems worldwide.

In this role, you will:

•  Lead, motivate, and develop a dedicated administrative team with focus on wellbeing, professional growth, and collaboration

•  Ensure efficient resource management, budgeting, and strategic planning

•  Provide professional support to the Head of Department in strategic and organizational development

•  Strengthen collaboration across Aarhus University and with external partners

•  Coordinate cross-cutting tasks and ensure smooth administrative support for research, education, and collaboration activities

•  Contribute to implementing AU FOOD’s strategy and development initiatives

•  Play a central role in planning meetings, evaluations, internal events, and workshops

We are seeking a leader who:

•  Has solid experience in personnel management and administrative processes, preferably from a public or research-based organization

•  Holds a relevant academic degree

•  Is a strong communicator and a trust-building leader who can motivate and create clarity

•  Possesses strategic understanding, financial insight, and the ability to turn decisions into action

•  Thrives in a collaborative, complex, and knowledge-driven environment

•  Masters both Danish and English at a high level, written and spoken

•  Has interest in or experience with working in an academic context

We see the Head of Administration as a culture carrier and focal point at the department – someone who contributes to a positive, solution-oriented, and development-driven culture.

•  An exciting and versatile leadership position in a vibrant international research environment

•  A workplace with high professionalism, engaged colleagues, and a strong collaborative spirit

•  The opportunity to influence development and create value for both staff and researchers

•  Excellent opportunities for competence development, sparring, and personal growth

•  A varied workday with many different tasks and close involvement in decision-making

AU FOOD is an ambitious, internationally oriented research institute dedicated to food science across the entire value chain – from soil to table. With focus on sustainability, green transition, and new technologies, we collaborate with industry, policymakers, and global partners to create solutions that matter. Learn more at https://food.au.dk/

•  Expected start date: March 1, 2026 or as soon as possible

•  Application deadline: December 10, 2025

•  First interviews: Week 2, 2026

•  Second interviews: Week 4, 2026

•  Salary and employment conditions according to the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or relevant organization

For further information, please contact Head of Department Anne Louise Dannesboe Nielsen at +45 93521301 or aln@food.au.dk.

Aarhus University is committed to being an attractive and inspiring workplace for all. We value equality and diversity as a resource and therefore encourage all interested candidates to apply.

👉 Apply now via Aarhus University’s recruitment system: https://www.au.dk/om/stillinger/job/sekretariatsleder-til-institut-for-foedevarer-aarhus-universitet