Postdoctoral position in the Study of Religions and Esotericism at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen
The Department for Cross Cultural and Regional Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Study of Religions from 1 March 2026.
The position is a fixed term position for 12 months/years.
Introduction
The 1-year post doc position is based at the Copenhagen Centre for the Study of Theosophy and Esotericism (CCSTE), the section for the study of religions, at the Department for Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (CCRS) at the University of Copenhagen. CCRS is an interdisciplinary humanities environment dedicated to the study of languages, cultures, religions and societies with a strong section dedicated to the study of religions. CCSTE is located in the study of religions section and offers a distinct international research environment for exploring influential currents of esotericism in European and global intellectual and religious history. The primary research focus of the centre is theosophical history and esotericism more broadly.
https://ccrs.ku.dk/research/religion/
https://ccrs.ku.dk/research/centres-and-projects/ccste/
Duties and Responsibilities
The 1-year postdoctoral position entails a strong focus on research that is based in the studies of religions and focuses on theosophical history. The research is expected to result in concrete research output in the form of at least two articles or the equivalent. The post additionally entails contributions to the research environment helping with the organization of seminars, guest lectures and other events/activities. Contribution to university courses in the form of guest lectures can be negotiated. Furthermore, promotion of the center and its activities and possibly the setting up of a vlog-interview-series are expected.
Qualification requirements and assessment criteria
Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
More information on careers at UCPH and the requirement for the different academic positions is available on:
Career at The University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
For more about postdoc positions and qualification requirements, see the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities: Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities
It terms of previous experience, the applicant is expected to have conducted relevant research in the field of theosophical history or in the study of esotericism; to have demonstrated the ability to publish with academic presses, and to have experience working in a collaborative research environment. It is also expected that the applicant has some experience with organizing academic events.
Applicants will primarily be assessed in relation to their research qualifications, including their publications, ability to conduct independent research and participate in research collaborations, and their experience of research management. In addition, the applicant’s research plan and research potential will be assessed in relation to the overall focus areas described above.
Application
Applications must be submitted online in PDF or Word format. Click on the “Apply now” button at the bottom of this advertisement to apply.
Applications may be written in English or Danish and must include the following attachments:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Documentation of qualifications (exam certificates and PhD diploma)
- Complete publication list (attached publications must be marked with an asterisk). The list must be structured systematically and divided into the following categories:
- Peer-reviewed publications:
- Monographs and anthologies
- Articles in journals
- Book chapters/anthology contributions, etc.
- Non-peer-reviewed publications:
- Publications disseminating research findings, etc.
Applicants can attach a maximum of 2 publications. The publication dates must be clearly marked on the list. The selected publications must be uploaded as attachments and numbered 1 and 2.
- Research plan. Maximum 2 pages describing the research that will be completed during the time of the position and the order in which it will be completed.
- Documentation of teaching competencies/teaching portfolio (see the UCPH guidelines for teaching portfolios here) and other work on the dissemination of research.
Should any material submitted consist of work with named co-authors, or work that is otherwise the result of collective academic endeavours, the extent of the applicant’s contribution to the work must be clearly stipulated. The Faculty may ask for a signed statement from the co-authors stipulating the extent and nature of each individual’s contribution.
Only applications in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish will be assessed.
Applicants are invited to familiarize themselves with the faculty’s strategic landmarks here: Strategic landmarks – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
Appointment procedure
After the application deadline, the Head of Department selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the appointment committee. All applicants are notified whether their application has been accepted for assessment. The Dean subsequently appoints an expert assessment committee tasked with carrying out an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee. Applicants are ultimately offered the opportunity of commenting on the part of the assessment relating to themselves before the appointment is finalized.
Salary and terms of employment
Terms of appointment and salary will be in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The salary range starts at DKK 39,237.41 per month, (approximately EUR 5,250) + a 18,07 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.
The recruitment process
Once the deadline for applications has expired, the Head of Department will consider advice from the appointment committee and select applicants for assessment. All applicants will be notified whether they have been shortlisted. The Head of Department will then set up an expert assessment committee to consider the applications. The selected applicants will be informed who is serving on the committee. They will be offered the opportunity to comment on the committee’s assessment of their application before the appointment is announced.
The Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) have further agreed on a protocol that makes it possible for international researchers employed by the University to achieve a pension exemption, whereby the pension contribution will be paid out as salary. For more information about the different pension schemes, please read more here: https://ism.ku.dk/salary-tax-pension/pension/
Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: Recruitment process – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
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 (ku.dk)
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: For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
Contact information
Information about the recruitment process is available from HR South, e-mail: HR-SOENDRE@adm.ku.dk. Please refer to ID number 211-2423/25-2I #2.
Additional information about the position can be obtained from Tim Rudbøg, email: timrudboeg@hum.ku.dk, phone +45 93565623
The deadline for applications is 23:59 [CET] on 18 January 2026.
Any applications or additional material submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.