Postdoc of Rural Community Development

Research Field

The position will contribute to tasks related to an EU-funded research and innovation project called “Resilient European rural outlooks: opportunities for transformation, empowerment and development – REROOTED”. The project will develop strategies to mitigate or adapt to demographic trends: declining and ageing populations in peripheral rural areas, based on local competencies, and engagement. The local solutions (strategies) include social and spatial development, climate adaptation and rural-urban synergies. A main task for the applicant will involve work on, in and with the Danish frontrunner case, Lolland, including the facilitation of dialogue co-labs.  

The Danish case, municipality of Lolland, works to increase the attractivity and quality of life of the area. New workplaces, an active settlement policy, redevelopment of town centers to regenerate urban life, international recruitment and settlement policy, and adaptation of services to the demographic situation are among the policies we expect the project to address. A common goal for all activities is to anchor them more firmly in the local democracy. Researchers will work closely with local stakeholders and citizens. The applicant is expected to work independently in the project in close collaboration with the Danish and the international project team. The post may also include performance of other duties, including some teaching.

Qualifications

We look for a post doc researcher with educational background in urban or landscape planning, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, relevant social sciences, or similar.  Applicants must hold a PhD degree.

Danish language / communication skills are essential as the applicant must be able to communicate fluently with local stakeholders. Also, written and spoken academic English skills is a necessity.

Knowledge of community-driven development in rural areas or small towns is an advantage as well as experience with qualitative case study work, dialogue-based research, designing and facilitating collaborative processes with different citizen groups and stakeholders, and experience with written, oral or digital dissemination of research to a broader audience.

About the workplace

The PostDoc will be associated with the research group “Spatial Change and Planning”. The group aims to provide an integrated understanding of the urban-rural continuum, comprising cities, peri-urban areas and rural districts. The research group is based in the sections for Landscape Architecture and Planning, engaging in the study programs of Landscape Architecture and Nature Management and in various research projects on sustainable and inclusive cities and landscapes, providing evidence, critical perspectives and design-based solutions that challenge current practices and deliver actual impact.

Further information on the Department is linked at www.ign.ku.dk or https://ign.ku.dk/english/

 Inquiries about the position can be made to head of the research group, Christian Fertner.

The position is open from 15 th August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is for 3 years.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

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 (max. 2 pages) – description of current and future research interests related to the topic of the research project
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant publications

The deadline for applications is 10th June 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

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

Interviews will be held during the weeks 28 - 31