Scientific Assistant to the Institute for Military Technology at the Defence Academy

Institute for Military Technology at the Defence Academy is looking for an engaged scientific assistant who wishes to contribute to strengthening the academic basis for the Armed Forces' work with new technology – including the use of artificial intelligence in decision-support systems and drones as well as simulation. The position targets you who are motivated to work at the intersection of research, teaching and practically oriented analysis, and who wish to join a strong collegial environment with both civilian and military perspectives.

About us

The Institute for Military Technology has the task of equipping current and future military decision-makers to understand technological development and its significance for military task execution. This involves not only illuminating the operational possibilities that technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced sensors open up, but also analyzing the strategic, organizational and ethical dilemmas that accompany them.

The institute operates in the tension between technological innovation and military practice and contributes with research, teaching, communication and advisory services at operational, strategic and management levels.

About the position

As a scientific assistant you will be an integrated part of the institute's research environment and participate in concrete projects, which may for example concern the use of artificial intelligence for decision-support in operational contexts as well as simulation. You will contribute to data collection and analysis, preparation of research and analysis products, and support of project progress from idea development to dissemination. The position also includes planning and conducting professional meetings and workshops as well as general research administration support, including coordination and documentation.

Teaching is a natural and essential part of the institute's work, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching on the Defence Academy's programs. This could be through lectures, case-based teaching or development of teaching materials, where research-based knowledge is translated into practice-oriented learning for officers and other course participants.

The institute emphasizes that teaching is analytically grounded and dialogic, and that it supports students’ ability to critically assess the possibilities and limitations of technology in an operational context. As a scientific assistant you will thus have the opportunity to develop your communication skills and contribute to creating coherence between current research and professional military practice.

The position is time-limited until 31 December 2027. The place of employment is Svanemøllen Barracks, and travel activity and periods of increased workload may occur.

About you

We expect that you hold a master's degree in a relevant social science or humanities discipline, such as political science, international relations, sociology or history, and that you have an interest in – or experience with – research and analysis related to

technology and security. Experience from the Armed Forces or other security authorities and knowledge of operational conditions is an advantage, but not a prerequisite. The position may also be relevant for recent graduates with a strong academic foundation and a desire to develop in a research and teaching environment.

We emphasize that you are curious, analytical and collaborative, and that you thrive in an environment where professional discussions and cross-disciplinary perspectives are a natural part of everyday life. The institute is characterized by a flat management structure, close collegial collaboration and strong engagement in both national and international research collaborations. As a scientific assistant you are expected to actively contribute to this environment and to the joint task solving.

Conditions of employment

The appointment is made in accordance with the applicable collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and a number of academic organizations for academics in the state (Academics’ Collective Agreement) and Circular on the protocol regarding certain terms of employment for civilian research staff with and without teaching obligations, and civilian academic teachers at the Defence Academy and Regulation on the position structure for civilian research staff with and without teaching obligations, as well as civilian civilian academic teachers at the Defence Academy.

There is a possibility of negotiating allowances depending on qualifications, and there is an employer-financed pension scheme tied to the position.

The workplace is the Defence Academy, Svanemøllens Kaserne, Ryvangs Allé 1, 2100 Copenhagen Ø.

As an employee under the Ministry of Defence, you are subject to certain special terms. You must, among other things, be security cleared and maintain the security clearance throughout the employment.

As an employee you are obliged to render service outside the country’s borders, including at units in international operations with a view to participating in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace-enforcement, humanitarian and other similar operations.

If you wish to help develop and disseminate knowledge about the importance of technology for the military tasks of the future in an engaged and academically ambitious environment, we look forward to receiving your application.

Contract and application

If you want to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact the institute’s head, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Galasz Nielsen at [email protected] or 41703747,

If you have questions about salary and terms of employment, you are welcome to contact the Personnel Command, HR Consultant Pia Knudsen at 3266 5783.

The application deadline is 6 November 2026, and the position is to be filled as soon as possible.

You apply for the position via the link and we ask you to attach the application, CV and copies of educational certificates. Please note that attachments must be added in PDF format.

In the Defence Ministry's organization we believe that diversity optimizes task solving. Therefore we encourage all interested regardless of background to apply for the position.

About the Defence Academy

The Defence Academy (FAK) educates and trains Danish and international officers to solve the armed forces' and allies’ special tasks. We create lifelong learning through relevant, practice-oriented and up-to-date education and contribute to the public debate through qualified research and development.

We conduct research in areas including security policy, strategy, cultural understanding, military operations, leadership, military history and military technology. The Defence Academy employs about 450 staff – both civilian and military – in positions as teachers, researchers, officers, administrators, librarians, assistants and cadets.

The Defence Academy has several addresses in Denmark, but the majority of staff are located at Svanemøllens Kaserne, while others are located at Frederiksberg Castle, in Varde, Frederikshavn and Karup.