211-0363/26-2K Professor of Science engagement

Department of Science Education
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Science Education seeks to appoint a professor in science engagement research – i.e. research in public engagement across the disciplines of the natural science (e.g. physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology). The position is open from January 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Information about the department can be found at: https://www.ind.ku.dk/.

Job description

We are looking for a distinguished scholar in science engagement research to join a growing research group in the department that focuses on science communication, sustainability science communication, and public engagement with the natural sciences. The successful candidate is expected to

• Conduct research, develop the field, perform assessment tasks, write grant applications, and undertake research management such as supervision and mentoring of research fellows.
• Teach science students within the department – including student supervision, coordination and teaching BSc and MSc courses, and preparing and conducting exams.
• Design, fundraise for, and conduct life-long learning activities about science engagement and/or science communication for a range of profession types – including teaching faculty at the University of Copenhagen.
• Undertake tasks requested by the Department – including engaging with and participating in Department and Faculty governance structures as well as management and leadership tasks at the Department.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD, which can come from any relevant field, and at least an MSc within one of the natural sciences. Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

To be qualified for a professor position, you will be assessed according to these five overall criteria for recognizing merit at the University of Copenhagen: Research, teaching, innovation and societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership. Find information about each criterion.

Furthermore, each applicant must be able to document:

• A strong record of research in public engagement across the disciplines of the natural sciences.
• Comprehensive grasp of the diffusion pathways of science through society – from production to engagement and uptake.
• Expertise in critical research approaches to science engagement – e.g. critical theory, feminist theory, arts-based approaches, etc.
• Extensive teaching experience at a research-intensive university, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon their own teaching practice and portfolio.
• Extensive international collaboration and considerable contributions to the development of the academic discipline
• Experience in leading interdisciplinary research groups.
• Experience in applying for, and managing, externally funded research grants.

Application procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the Appointment Committee selects applicants for assessment.  All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to assess the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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 the University's Job Portal.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

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

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 Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Questions

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department Jan Alexis Nielsen at janielsen@ind.ku.dk and +45 35 32 03 61.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 7 August 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 on 28 October 2026

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0363/26-2K