In the research project Artificial Intelligence in Physics Learning and Assessment (AIPLA) Københavns Universitets Physics Education Research Group (KUPER), Section for Didactics
Department of Science Education, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen The Department of Science Education invites applications for a three-year Postdoctoral position in physics education research,
starting preferably 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of the research project Artificial Intelligence in Physics Learning and Assessment (AIPLA), funded by The Novo Nordisk Foundation, and led by Associate Professor Jesper Bruun (Principal Investigator). The project is hosted at the Section for Didactics, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen.
Project Description Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is rapidly transforming educational practices, raising fundamental questions about teaching, learning, and assessment—particularly in subjects such as physics, where conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, experimentation, and multiple representations are tightly interwoven.
The AIPLA project investigates how GAI can be integrated meaningfully and responsibly into upper-secondary physics education, with a dual focus on student learning processes and assessment practices. While recent research has explored what GAI can and cannot do when solving physics problems, there is limited systematic knowledge about how such technologies can be embedded in classroom practices in ways that support learning, engagement, and both formative and summative assessment.
The project combines curriculum analysis, teacher collaboration, classroom-based design and implementation studies, and qualitative empirical methods to explore:
- Which types of physics tasks GAI can productively support without replacing students’ disciplinary work;
- How GAI-supported tasks can be designed and implemented in physics teaching and assessment;
- How students’ engagement, learning, and attitudes towards physics develop when working with GAI;
- How physics teachers adapt, reflect on, and collaborate around the use of GAI in their practice.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with Danish upper-secondary physics teachers and relevant national stakeholders.
The Postdoctoral Position The Postdoc will contribute substantially to the research activities of AIPLA and will have the opportunity to shape a coherent research profile within the project’s framework. The precise focus of the Postdoc project will be developed jointly with the PI during the initial phase of employment.
Expected tasks include:
- Designing and conducting mixed-methods empirical studies in collaboration with upper-secondary students and physics teachers;
- Participating in classroom observations, interviews with students, and quantitative and qualitative analyses of teaching and learning activities involving GAI;
- Contributing to the design and refinement of AI-supported physics tasks (for example, hands-on experiments in physics) and assessment formats;
- Analysing qualitative and quantitative data related to student learning, teacher practices, and classroom interaction;
- Publishing research results in high-quality international journals;
Participating actively in the local research environment and project activities. - Teaching and dissemination activities corresponding to approximately 20% of working time, primarily within teacher education and science education courses at the Department of Science Education.
The successful candidate will be offered the opportunity to receive training and certification in university pedagogy.
Who Are We Looking For? We are looking for a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong interest in physics education and the educational use of AI.
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD and have a clearly documented research profile in physics education research (PER), demonstrated through doctoral and/or postdoctoral work (e.g. a PhD in PER or a closely related field with substantial PER-focused research).
- Have experience with mixed-methods research, combining qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews, classroom observations, design-based research) with quantitative or analytical methods as appropriate.
- Be able to communicate research clearly in spoken and written English;
- Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research team.
- Have documented teaching proficiency in higher education or teacher education (for example, university level courses in science teaching)
It is considered an advantage if the applicant has:
- Experience with research on digital technologies, AI, or learning analytics in education;
- Familiarity with upper-secondary physics teaching and curriculum;
- Experience collaborating with teachers or working in school-based research contexts;
Danish language proficiency is
not required for the position.
About the Department of Science Education The Department of Science Education aims to open up science and mathematics for all through research that enhances education, communication, and public engagement. The Department brings together expertise from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to lead internationally in science and mathematics education, digital education, history and philosophy of science, and science communication.
The Department currently employs approx. 100 persons – 28 of which are permanently employed researchers – many of whom are international. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and an attractive and friendly work environment for all employees, and we are determined to support PhD students, postdocs, and assistant professors in building of a foundation for their future career within and outside academia. It is a hallmark of our research to unite strong fundamental and applied research, with high impact in society.
A large part of the Department’s teaching activities concerns the mandatory university pedagogical training and competence development for teaching faculty at the Faculties of Science and Health.
You may read the
Department’s strategy towards 2030 and you can read more about the department in general here:
https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/ Terms of Employment The average weekly working hours are
37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position for
three years. The starting date is
September 1, 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
Application and Assessment Procedure Applications must be submitted in
English and uploaded electronically by clicking
APPLY NOW.
The application must include:
- Cover letter describing qualifications and motivation for applying (max. 2 pages);
- Research statement outlining relevant research experience and proposed contribution to the AIPLA project (max. 2–3 pages);
- Curriculum vitae;
- Documentation for teaching proficiency (e.g. course certificates)
- Copies of Master’s and PhD diplomas (or documentation for expected PhD completion);
- Complete publication list;
- Up to three relevant publications (reprints or preprints);
- Names and email addresses of two references.
Application deadline: 30 April 2026, 23.59pm CET. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not meet the abovementioned requirements.
The further process After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment, based on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by the assessment committee Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Further Information For questions regarding the position or the AIPLA project, please contact:
Associate Professor Jesper Bruun Department of Science Education
University of Copenhagen
Email:
jbruun@ind.ku.dk The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.