The Department of Social Sciences and Business (ISE), Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as Professor (20%) in Circular Economy from August 15th, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. In announcing a Professorship in Circular Economy, ISE wishes to strengthen its social science research and teaching in the field as it pertains to sustainability, start-ups and the implementation of circular economy business systems and policy frameworks. Candidates must have made an original and significant contribution to the research field of Circular Economy with societal impact among practitioners in the field. Applicants with a focus on the field of Circular Economy specifically in the Nordics will be preferred. The position is open within the Section for Business and Management.
ISE conducts interdisciplinary, collaborative and socially engaged research based on political science, economics, anthropology, business studies, sociology, legal studies, and development studies. The department hosts an innovative and interdisciplinary environment characterized by academic and methodological diversity in research and education. The department’s researchers excel in research methodologies and share a commitment to understanding society and businesses in diverse contexts of change and global engagement. We produce research at the highest international level that feeds into our educational programs, while simultaneously leveraging our research to impact social, economic and political change. Research in the department is organised in research groups. The selected candidate is expected to join one of the three research groups within the Business and Management Section;
Innovation in services and experiences,
Management and organization and
Risk, Uncertainty, and Opportunity. Read more about the
department here.
Responsibilities and tasksThe professor is expected to maintain a significant record of publications as well as to make an important contribution to the academic culture in the department as it pertains to research, teaching, dissemination and other. The professor’s work primarily includes research and research-based teaching and supervision in one of our social science Bachelor programs, and our Master-level programs within business studies and public administration. In addition to research and research-based teaching, the position also involves sharing knowledge with the rest of society – including participation in the public debate. Furthermore, the professor is expected to attract research grants, manage research projects, provide guidance and supervision of PhD students and assistant professors, take a leading role in research groups and development of new teaching activities, and actively engage in external fundraising and other activities to increase funds for the Department as well as take active part in academic assessments and other tasks requested by the Department. All in proportion to the 20% position offered.
The ideal candidate is expected to;
- be established as a leading expert in the relevant field
- take leadership in research, research groups, and talent development
- participate in research management and initiating and leading research projects/programmes
- engage in research and research cooperation meeting the highest international standards
- actively seek to boost the international recognition of the research of the Department and help attract strong researchers
- secure large-scale external funding to further department research and increase funds for PhDs, post docs etc. at the Department
- maintain strong research networks nationally and internationally
- play an active role in developing the educational programmes of the Department
- assume administrative responsibilities at the Department and contribute to university-wide tasks
- communicate with the broader public
- take leading responsibility for the long-term well-being of the department and the University at large
- contribute to the research environment by a visible, available, and physical presence at ISE, and
- promote Roskilde University’s academic reputation nationally and internationally
Read more about
faculty expectations here.
QualificationsApplicants must hold a relevant PhD degree. Applicants must have qualifications equivalent to several years of research and tertiary teaching at associate professor level. The applicant is expected to possess initiative and good cooperative skills, be visible and actively contributing to organising the daily activities in the department. Both professional and social competencies will be prioritised in the efforts to create an inspiring daily working environment. Experiences with problem-oriented project supervision and teaching at university level is an advantage.
Ability to teach in Danish is important and selected applicants who do not speak Danish (or possibly Swedish or Norwegian) will be requested to acquire the necessary skills in Danish within the first two years of service, to ensure that they can participate satisfactorily in teaching activities as well as in academic and administrative activities at the University. At the time of appointment, selected applicants must master English for academic purposes. Potential applicants from outside Denmark will find information about life in Denmark (taxation, healthcare etc.) here.
AssessmentIn the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to:
- Relevance of research expertise for the position
- Scientific production and research potential at a high international level
- Documented research profile with a substantial number of international publications in the best journals/publishing houses in the field
- Documented experience in attracting and managing external project funding from national or international funding bodies
- Experience in successfully supervising PhD candidates
- Documented ability to create, promote and utilise research results
- Experience in teaching and education development and management
- The ability to create an engaged and interactive learning environment that motivate and inspire students to develop all aspects of their profiles
QuestionsFor further information about the position, please contact Acting Head of Department Lars Buur on tel. (+45) 4674 3335 / lbuur@ruc.dk or Associate Dean for Education Bodil Damgaard (+45) 4674 2251 / bodam@ruc.dk.
Terms of employmentThe employment is full time, and you will refer to the Head of Department of Social Sciences and Business.
The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Commencing salary will be minimum DKK 715.117,14 kr. kr. per year (1st November 2025 level) plus pension contribution (18,07 %).
Application procedure After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.
Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.
The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Application To apply for the position go to
www.ruc.dk/en/job/ Only applications in English are accepted.
Applications must include:
1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Documentation of education
3. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University
here)
4. A complete list of publications
6. A maximum of 7 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment
If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template
here)
7. Documentation of additional research qualifications, including
- experience in research management or other managerial functions
- track record in fundraising
Please submit your application no later than March 11, 2026.Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.