Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Health in Biomedicine

The Centre for Science and Faith at University of Copenhagen invites applications for a three-year position as Assistant Professor from 15 September 2026 or after agreement. This research centre spans across the Faculties of Health and Medical Sciences, Natural Science and Theology at University of Copenhagen (https://teol.ku.dk/Forskning/afd/center-for-videnskab-og-tro/).

The assistant professor will join a cross-disciplinary research environment investigating, teaching, and disseminating how spirituality, faith and worldview assumptions intersect with scientific knowledge and practice in biomedicine and health sciences. Studies include how personal passion and existential dimensions influence decisions, outcomes, interpretations, research integrity and ethics in biomedical research, including when animals are used as models. The assistant professor is expected to develop an independent research profile employing qualitative, quantitative, biomedical, and/or theoretical methodologies, such as ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, surveys, and concept analyses. The research will relate partly to research performed in the MEVIN project (funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation, 2026-30) but extends also to other contexts. The position includes responsibility for research leadership and training of junior researchers, including co‑supervision of PhD, master and/or bachelor level students.

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within the field of spirituality and health in biomedicine. Participation in formal pedagogical training program for assistant professors is expected. To a limited extent the position may also include performance of other duties.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider the level of documented, internationally competitive research within the field. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented qualifications and teaching experience will be considered. A candidate with a degree in medicine, biomedicine or a related field is preferred. 

General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organisational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact for applicants and assessors

Further information on the Department can be found on the homepages of Biomedicine, Comparative Pediatrics at https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/comparative-pediatrics-and-nutrition/ and the affiliated cross-faculty Centre for Science and Faith at https://teol.ku.dk/Forskning/afd/center-for-videnskab-og-tro/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Per Torp Sangild (pts@sund.ku.dk).

The employment as Assistant professor is a fixed-term, 37 years per week position for 3 years. The position is open from 15 September 2026 or after agreement.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 7 June 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews/trial lectures are expected to be held in June or August 2026.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.