Researcher in human rights

The Institute of Human Rights is seeking a researcher who can advance our academic research and contribute with research-based knowledge to our national human rights work. The position provides an opportunity to both develop an independent research profile and translate research into analyses, advice and dissemination with societal impact.

About us The Institute of Human Rights was established by law by the Danish Parliament as Denmark's national human rights institution to promote and protect human rights. The institute is also Denmark's national equal treatment authority. We are a self-governing public knowledge organization that, based on research and analyses, monitors and advises on the human rights situation in Denmark and Greenland.

The role and identity as the national human rights institution are also the starting point for the institute's international work, which through projects and partnerships contributes to realizing human rights in the countries we work in.

About the position As a researcher, you will

• conduct independent research in the field of human rights and equal treatment and publish in recognized scientific journals
• develop and implement research projects, including contributing to applications for external funding
• communicate research to professional environments, decision-makers, media and the public
• contribute with research-based knowledge to the institute's analyses, advice, consultation responses and other national work
• participate in and take responsibility for interdisciplinary collaborations across the institute and with external research environments.

About you We are looking for a researcher with solid legal knowledge and in-depth knowledge of human rights and equal treatment in international and Danish law. You are focused on developing new knowledge and bringing it into play in working with current human rights issues in Denmark and Greenland.

We especially welcome applications from researchers with an interest in one or more of the following areas:

• parents' rights
• rights of children and young people
• welfare law.

We emphasize that you

• have a PhD or equivalent qualifications
• have documented experience with scientific publication at a high level
• can present and convey research clearly to both professional and broader audiences
• wish to translate research into analyses, consultation responses, background notes and other contributions with societal significance
• have good written and oral communication skills in Danish and English
• work constructively and collaborative and contribute positively to a shared research environment.

It is advantageous if you have experience with research dissemination to the public and with developing applications for external research funding.

We offer You will become part of a well-established and interdisciplinary research environment that conducts free research within the field of human rights and forms a research-based knowledge base for the institute's national and international work. Research and Data currently consists of a research manager, ten researchers and senior researchers, postdocs and PhD students with legal, social science and humanities disciplines. Data and Analysis consists of four economists who develop and apply quantitative methods to investigate the human rights situation. We also host visiting researchers, students and interns.

We offer permanent employment, good conditions for developing your own research profile and the opportunity to bring research close to human rights work in practice. You will have engaged colleagues, access to interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and the possibility to participate in conferences and shorter research stays. We prioritize an open and curious environment where researchers share knowledge, develop new projects and contribute to current human rights agendas.

Therefore we are looking for a researcher who is motivated to bring their expertise into play through applied research, research-based advising and close collaboration with colleagues across the institute.

Salary and employment terms You will be employed as a special consultant.

Salary and employment terms are as agreed in the current collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Labor for academics in the civil service. There will be opportunities to negotiate supplements.

Working hours are on average 37 hours per week. The workplace is Wilders Plads 8K, 1403 Copenhagen K.

We have flexible working hours, and to some extent there will be the possibility to work from home.

Application process The position is desired to be filled on 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The application deadline is 13 November 2026, and we expect to hold interviews in week 50.

Your application must include

• motivated application
• CV
• relevant examination certificates
• complete publication list, where the attached publications are marked with *
• research plan
• at most three scientific publications on which you wish to be assessed.

All documents are uploaded via the application form, which you will find here on the page.

Contact and questions If you have questions about the position, you can contact Research Manager Katharina Ó Cathaoir at tel. 91 32 57 67 or e-mail [email protected] .

The Institute of Human Rights works for equal treatment and encourages all qualified to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

We believe that diverse teams solve tasks better through different perspectives, and we consciously work for an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and abusive behavior.