Analytical and forensic chemist at the Department of Forensic Chemistry

Institute of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University’s Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND) is seeking an analysis and forensic chemist for the Department of Forensic Chemistry effective 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a permanent full-time position.

The Department of Forensic Chemistry is an operations and development laboratory that primarily performs research-based governmental service for the Ministry of Justice, which also includes close collaboration with the institute’s forensic department. The majority of the work involves examining human biological material and drug seizures for content of medicines, narcotics, doping agents, and alcohol.

It is also the department’s task to prepare statements for judicial use, interpret analytical results, and provide expert assessments/testimonies to the judiciary within the department’s areas of responsibility. The Department of Forensic Chemistry is accredited by DANAK to the laboratory standard ISO 17025.

Your tasks

You will be trained as a forensic chemist so that you are capable of handling casework and preparing forensic chemical statements. You will be responsible for specific analyses and will in daily laboratory operations contribute to quality assurance in general, including approval of analysis sequences and analysis results.

You will join an open interdisciplinary environment consisting of 12 forensic chemists with various backgrounds, a clinical pharmacologist, 11 laboratory technicians, a laboratory trainee, and a secretary, where sparring and collaboration are highly valued. The department also employs research staff and students.

Your tasks will primarily consist of

• being part of the team of forensic chemists who review, quality-check, and approve analysis results and prepare forensic chemical statements
• taking responsibility for analytical equipment and analytical methods
• assisting with technical and analytical issues in collaboration with laboratory technicians and forensic chemists
• carrying out development projects that reflect the needs of the commissioning authorities

You will report to the operations manager Jørgen Bo Hasselstrøm.

Your competencies

You have a relevant academic background such as MSc (cand. scient.), MSc in pharmaceutical sciences (cand. pharm) or the like. We would like you to have:

• experience with qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometric analysis of small molecules – preferably through method development and validation in accordance with ISO 17025
• experience with the use and troubleshooting of chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques – primarily (HS)-GC-MS, but also LC-MS/MS
• initiative to develop projects
• in the long term, you will be able to assist in court cases as an expert witness.
• knowledge of organic chemistry and pharmacology and not afraid to apply your knowledge in practice, e.g. in structure elucidation of new illicit substances and opinions to be used in court
• you have a PhD in a relevant field

We offer an exciting workplace where you will have the opportunity to work with the latest analytical techniques and where high demands are placed on professionalism, quality and thoroughness. The department also has a strong focus on efficiency, but there is still a need for and room for immersion in casework and projects. There is strong demand for our services from our clients and you will experience the importance of our responses as highly motivating.

As a person you have good collaboration skills, are approachable, and capable of contributing to a good work environment. You thrive at the intersection of laboratory operations, casework, development and research, and are able to independently initiate, drive and complete projects. You enjoy teaching, giving lectures and possibly having contact with the media, and you are efficient, thorough and competent.

We expect you to speak and write Danish and English.

Obtaining a satisfactory criminal record is a prerequisite for employment in this position.

Questions about the position

If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact the operations manager Jørgen Bo Hasselstrøm, tel.: +45 8716 8334.

The workplace is the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 43, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews in early November 2026. You may possibly receive a case assignment in connection with the interviews.

Employment terms

Salary and terms of employment in accordance with the state academics collective agreement. You are hired as an academic employee at the base pay grade 4-8.

Application

Your application must include the following

• Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of education (copies of relevant certificates)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system

We refer to the faculty’s Guide for applicants .

Aarhus University will be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and desires a culture where each individual can develop and grow. We regard equality and diversity as a resource and therefore encourage all interested to apply.

Applications must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job posting on Aarhus University’s website.