Postdoctoral Researcher in Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Department of Science Education at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position starting 1 March 2027 . The postdoc position will be a part of the SPINE project ( Strengthening Pathways and Infrastructures for Navigating Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Existing Academic Structures ), funded by the Lundbeck Foundation

We are looking for an engaged and independent researcher to help us develop and test practical ways of strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration in research and education.

The SPINE project investigates how interdisciplinary collaboration can be better supported within existing academic structures. The project combines qualitative research, international fieldwork, and participatory action research to develop practical “plug-and-play” tools, such as methods, templates, games, and workshop formats, that can be readily used by researchers, educators, and research organisations.

Your role

As a postdoc in SPINE, you will lead the testing and refinement of tools and methods at SPINE’s test sites, including designing and facilitating intervention workshops with researchers and other stakeholders. You will evaluate and adapt approaches across different contexts and help turn research findings into practical, “plug-and-play” resources for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The position combines research and reporting on the development and testing activities with qualitative research, but the main emphasis will be on the development, testing, and refinement of practical tools and interventions.

You will also contribute to

• Conducting qualitative research and fieldwork
• Analysing and evaluating empirical material and interventions
• Working with project partners and stakeholders
• Disseminating findings through academic and practice-oriented outputs
• Teaching at the Department of Science Education

The position is based in Denmark, where most work will take place. Some international travel will be required for fieldwork, test-site visits, and collaboration with project partners.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a researcher interested in how interdisciplinary collaboration works in practice, with the ability to move between research, facilitation, and development.

You should have

• The ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative team
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Interdisciplinary higher education research
• Participatory action research or co-design
• Workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement
• Developing or evaluating practical approaches to research and collaboration
• Translating research into practical or policy-relevant outputs
• Spoken or written Danish, which is an advantage but not a requirement

We welcome candidates from different disciplinary and methodological backgrounds and do not expect applicants to meet every criterion.

What we offer

You will join an international and collaborative research environment in central Copenhagen and become part of a project with a strong focus on research that makes a practical difference.

The SPINE project is led by Associate Professor Katrine Ellemose Lindvig at the Section for Higher Education Research and Development, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen. The SPINE team consists of the PI, one postdoc, and one PhD student, and works closely with colleagues in a wider research group on Interdisciplinary Higher Education, which includes an additional PhD student. As postdoc, you will work closely together with the researchers in SPINE and this wider group, while also collaborating with external partners and stakeholders.

Application

Start date: 1 March 2027

Application deadline: 28 October 2026, 23:59 CET

Please submit a single application of no more than 2 pages, combining

• Your motivation and qualifications for the position, including your relevant research, methodological, and facilitation experience.
• Your ideas for contributing to SPINE, including how you would approach testing and refining tools and methods, designing intervention workshops, and developing practical “plug-and-play” resources.

In addition, please include

• CV, including research, fieldwork, teaching, and project experience
• One publication that best demonstrates your research capabilities and fit with the position
• Publication list
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Contact details for two references

Applications must be submitted in English through the University of Copenhagen's online recruitment system.

Before applying, prospective applicants are welcome to contact Associate Professor Katrine Ellemose Lindvig to discuss the position and how their experience might fit the project.

Contact

Katrine Ellemose Lindvig

Email: [email protected]

The University of Copenhagen is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.