Researcher(s) at the Centre for Military Studies, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen

The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH) seeks excellent candidates for one or more positions as Researcher in defence, security, and strategic studies at the Centre for Military Studies (CMS).

Appointment as Researcher is a four-year, full-time position with an option for extension for one year. The position(s) are available from 1 February 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications are sought from eminent candidates who have experience with research within the field of defence, security, and strategic studies. We define national security and strategy in broad terms and welcome applicants with specific expertise covering key defence and security institutions (notably NATO), key geographical areas for Denmark (notably the Arctic) as well as preferably also a firm understanding of Danish defence and security actors and debates.

We also seek, applicants with experience in applied research, the craft of writing policy reports and policy recommendations, media contributions, policy briefings, publication/editorial experience and/or experience working with actors in the defence policy landscape.

The successful candidate(s) will have a strong commitment to both excellence and relevance. Relevance in this context refers to an aspiration to engage with relevant and current affairs with a view to increasing our understanding of a rapidly evolving defence and security landscape.

Proficiencies in speaking and writing in Danish are an advantage, because contributions to the Danish media are expected as a part of the roles.

Introduction
The Centre for Military Studies is a university-based research centre focusing on research in defence, security, and strategic studies. The Centre is a fully integrated part of the Department of Political Science, one of Europe’s top political science departments, For more information on the Department, please consult About the Department of Political Science – Department of Political Science - University of Copenhagen.

To generate knowledge and identify relevant strategic options for Denmark in particular, The Centre for Military Studies conduct both curiosity-driven and problem-driven independent research. The Centre works closely with the Danish Ministry of Defence, the Danish Armed Forces, and other national and international stakeholders. In the next five years, the overall themes for the Centre’s stakeholder cooperation include: Global politics and great power rivalry, European security, Nordic security, Military technology development, and Danish defence and security policy. For more information about the Centre for Military Studies, please consult our webpage: Centre for Military Studies – University of Copenhagen.

Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities of the position(s) as Researcher include contributing to the scholarship and intellectual life of the University in general.

As Researcher at the Centre for Military Studies, the core duties include:

• Research within the field of defence, security, and strategic studies
• Applied research and commissioned analytical tasks for the Danish Ministry of Defence and the political parties to the Defence Agreement
• Knowledge sharing with society, including media appearances and public lectures
• Teaching and supervision in relevant courses within relevant fields.

The weighting of the different duties will vary periodically.

Your Competencies and Opportunities
Each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement.

Essential Qualifications: To be qualified for the position the applicant must have a PhD in Political Science or an equivalent academic qualification, as well as:

• A proven record of outstanding research, as evidenced primarily by a PhD dissertation and a publication profile that complements the existing research strengths of the Centre.
• Evidence of engagement in knowledge exchange and policy-impact in Denmark and/or in an international context. We encourage proactive engagement with a broad range of stakeholders (government, business, community partners, etc.) to enhance the impact of research and education.
• Robust interpersonal skills, enabling the candidate to be a constructive and empathic colleague in a diverse and vibrant working environment.

Please see UCPH Criteria here.

Desirable Qualifications:

Besides these essential qualifications, it is a major plus if the candidate has:

• Proven ability to engage in policy-innovation and policy formulation.
• Documented knowledge of security institutions and changing threat landscape of, especially, transatlantic and European security.
• Documented interest in the challenges faced by small European states.
• Research experience in fields such as security strategy, emerging weapons technology, and cyber security.
• Proven ability to work on or lead specific projects in teams.
• Documented ability to communicate complicated issues to the wider public.

Strategy of the Faculty of the Social Sciences
The Department of Political Science is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences.  For more on the Faculty’s strategy, see: Fakultetsstrategi – Det Samfundsvidenskabelige Fakultet - Københavns Universitet

Strategy of the Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science strategy (2024-2027) can be accessed here: Strategy for the Department of Political Science – Department of Political Science - University of Copenhagen.

Terms of Employment

• Employment with the Faculty of Social Sciences and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit. The University does this by applying academic criteria that are related to the duties and conditions of each particular post and the needs of the Department concerned.
• Further information on qualification requirements as Researcher can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2019 here: Bekendtgørelse om stillingsstruktur for videnskabeligt personale ved universiteter (in Danish only). Terms of appointment and salary is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).

The Recruitment Process
Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here:  Recruitment process – University of Copenhagen.

As an applicant to the University of Copenhagen, you should be prepared to undergo a security screening related to international research collaboration as part of the recruitment process. The security screening will be conducted in cases where the University deems it appropriate based on an overall assessment.

An Equal Opportunity Workplace
The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see HR Excellence in Research – University of Copenhagen.

International Applicant?
The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: www.ism.ku.dk/.

Contact Information
Information about the recruitment process is available from HR, e-mail: hr-soendre@adm.ku.dk, please refer to ID number: 211-0003/25-2C0 #2.

Additional information about the position can be obtained from CMS Director, Katja Lindskov Jacobsen: e-mail: kj@ifs.ku.dk.

How to Apply
Submit a complete application at our online portal. Click on the “Apply now” icon at the bottom of the page to apply.

Your application must be written in English and include the following documents:

• Motivated letter. A cover letter with a motivation for your application and detailing how your profile matches the qualifications required for this post.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Certificates and Diplomas (BA, MA and PhD)
• Key publications. The 3-4 most important publications, of which at least three must have been published within the five years immediately preceding the deadline for application. The publications selected must be uploaded as attachments and named from 1 to 4.
• Publication list. A complete list of all publications with clearly marked publication dates. The uploaded publications must be marked with * on the list to be assessed.
• Evidence of societal impact. Documentation of any ability to and/or experience with societal impact including through applied research.
• Teaching portfolio. Documentation of teaching qualifications in accordance with the University guidelines for teaching portfolios when appointing academic staff at the University of Copenhagen.
• Evidence of ability to disseminate information. Documentation of the ability to disseminate information to and share knowledge with society.

Should any material submitted consist of work with named co-authors, or work that is otherwise the result of collective academic endeavors, the extent of the applicant’s contribution to the work must be clearly specified. The hiring committee may ask for a signed statement from the co-authors specifying the extent and nature of each individual’s contribution.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 14 December 2025 CET.

Applications or enclosures received thereafter will not be considered.