Background screening of candidates and guests from Russia, China and Iran

Background screening of candidates and guests from Russia, China and Iran 

Whenever you plan to hire a candidate or invite a guest from Russia, China and Iran, a background screening of the candidate/guest must be completed before the candidate can be invited for an interview and offered a position or being invited as a guest. 

This is due to the three countries being listed as “high threat countries” by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) in relation to security in international research and innovation collaboration (this is also called the URIS-guidelines).  

See more her: Background screening 

Implementation of the national URIS guidelines at Aarhus University 

Background screenings are conducted in connection with recruitment of employees from risk countries. They are also conducted on PhD candidates, guests, and in cases of changes in research environments. In the future, screenings will also include research collaborations

How long does a background screening take? 

If all parties are prepared and handle the process efficiently, a background check is expected to take seven working days. 

What is the generic background screening process? 

The recruitment system automatically notifies HR about candidates from risk countries after the application deadline, and again when the candidate evaluations are completed. HR informs the hiring manager that there are candidates who must undergo a background screening before they can be invited for an interview. The hiring manager must then consider whether they wish to proceed with the candidate. If they do, the hiring manager informs HR, who notifies the Background Screening Office (BSO). 

The hiring manager receives an email from Workzone, and must complete part 1 of the background screening. At the same time, the Background Screening Office (BSO) conducts a search using open sources and completes part 2 of the background screening. The Background Screening Office compiles parts 1 and 2 and sends them for approval to the department head and the dean (or their delegates). HR is informed when the background screening is completed, and the recruitment process can proceed. 

In relation to guests and interns 

What is the process when background screenings are not supported through the recruitment system? 

Please contact the secretariat in this case. Together we will comply with the process below: 

Background screenings not supported by the recruitment system are initiated by sending an email to the Background Screening Office at: backgroundscreening@au.dk

The email should contain: 

  • The candidate’s CV and (if applicable) publication list 
  • Intended period and duration of stay 
  • Institute/center and unit 
  • Name of the manager who will complete part 1 of the background screening