Two 3-Year Postdoctoral Positions in Interdisciplinary Collaboration Research
Two 3-Year Postdoctoral Positions in Interdisciplinary Collaboration Research
The SPINE project (Strengthening Pathways and Infrastructures for Navigating Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Existing Academic Structures), funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, invites applications for two 3-year full time postdoctoral positions.
We are looking for highly motivated and independent researchers to join a collaborative team consisting of the PI, two PhD students, and master’s students. The two postdocs will be employed in a staggered manner and will work closely together to carry out the project’s research activities, including international fieldwork, participatory action research, and the development of practical tools to support interdisciplinary collaboration.
Preferred start: 15 February 2026, or as soon as possible hereafter
About the SPINE Project and Research Team
Interdisciplinary research is widely recognised as essential for addressing today’s complex challenges, yet researchers often encounter practical barriers when working across disciplinary boundaries. The SPINE project investigates how interdisciplinary research can be better supported within existing academic structures, with a strong emphasis on—but not limited to—doctoral education.
Our aim is to develop “plug-and-play” solutions (such as methods, games, templates, simulations) and practices that can be readily integrated into current research and training environments, without requiring major institutional restructuring. To achieve this, we combine international comparative research, ethnographic fieldwork in interdisciplinary research environments worldwide, and participatory action research with stakeholders.
The project is led by Associate Professor Katrine Ellemose Lindvig (PI) and hosted by the Section for Higher Education Research and Development at the Department of Science Education at the University of Copenhagen. Together with the other postdoc, you will join a collaborative project team consisting of the PI, two PhD students, and master’s students. Together, we will explore, test, and refine new ways of supporting interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical, natural, and clinical sciences.
Shaping Your Postdoc
While some aspects of the role are fixed, such as international travel and fieldwork lasting from one week to a month, there is considerable freedom to shape your postdoc within the project’s framework. We encourage initiative, creativity and new ideas and - combined with an awareness of focus and needs of the overall project - you will be motivated to bring your own expertise and interests into the work. The allocation of responsibilities between the two postdocs will be flexible and tailored to individual strengths.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
As part of the team, you will:
Conduct ethnographic fieldwork in interdisciplinary research environments worldwide (including observations, interviews, and focus groups), and contribute to participatory action research with stakeholders
Contribute to literature reviews and the development of analytical frameworks
Collaborate on analysing and interpreting empirical material, both independently and as part of the team
Co-develop, test, and refine practical tools and methods together with stakeholders and project partners
Disseminate findings through scientific publications, conferences, workshops, whitepapers and policy-oriented activities
Take part in teaching within the Department of Science Education, with the opportunity to receive training and certification in university pedagogy
Candidate Profile
We are looking for postdocs who are motivated to explore and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in research and education. We value diversity of experience and perspective, and no one is expected to tick every box. The project team will distribute responsibilities flexibly, leveraging your unique strengths and expertise.
Before applying, potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to PI Katrine Ellemose Lindvig to discuss how their background and experience might align with the position.
It is essential that you:
Hold a PhD in a relevant field
Have experience with ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative data analysis
Are comfortable communicating research clearly in writing and presentations
Can work independently as well as collaboratively in a diverse team
Are ready and able to travel internationally for extended fieldwork stays (from one week to one month)
We are especially interested in candidates who bring:
Knowledge of interdisciplinary higher education and research
Experience with methods such as interviews, focus groups, or participatory/co-design approaches
Familiarity with comparative or international perspectives on higher education
Experience in teaching, facilitation, or organising research events/workshops
A track record in producing policy-relevant outputs (briefs, reports, or similar)
What We Offer
Joining the SPINE project means becoming part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and diverse research environment in the heart of Copenhagen. You will be surrounded by colleagues who value openness, curiosity, and support for one another, with many opportunities to exchange ideas and build collaborations across disciplines.
The positions provide:
A welcoming and international research community in higher education research
Space and encouragement to shape your own research focus within the project
Extensive international fieldwork experience in interdisciplinary research environments
Support to build a strong publication record and connect with global networks
Opportunities to engage with stakeholders and produce both scholarly and policy-relevant outputs
Training and certification in university pedagogy
A workplace located in central Copenhagen, with its rich cultural, social, and everyday life opportunities
The project also collaborates closely with BRIC (Biotech Research & Innovation Centre), ensuring strong ties to interdisciplinary doctoral training as well as biomedical and clinical research environments.
Terms of Employment
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 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 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 Requirements
Your application including all attachments must be submitted in English electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Required documents:
Cover letter explaining your qualifications, research experience, and fit for this specific position (max. 2 pages)
Research proposal and motivation letter (max. 3 pages) including:
Your specific interest in interdisciplinary collaboration research
Proposed approach to the action research component of SPINE
Methodology for international site visits and fieldwork
Suggested research questions and methods aligned with project goals
Timeline and deliverables for your proposed contribution
Curriculum vitae including education, research experience, fieldwork experience, language skills, project management experience, and other relevant qualifications
Original diplomas (Master's and PhD degree or equivalent) and transcripts in original language, with authorized English translations if not in English or Danish. If PhD not yet awarded, include written statement from institution/supervisor about expected defense date.
Complete publication list with clear indication of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other scholarly outputs
Three relevant publications (reprints or preprints) that best demonstrate your research capabilities and fit for this position
Contact information (names and email addresses) for three references familiar with your research work and capabilities
Application deadline: 20 November 2025 (GMT +1), 23.59
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline or applications that do not meet the stated requirements.
Selection Process
Following the application deadline, the authorized recruitment manager will select applicants for assessment based on hiring committee recommendations. All applicants will be notified whether their application has been selected for assessment by an independent assessment committee.
The assessment committee will evaluate academic qualifications, research experience, methodological expertise, and alignment with project requirements as specified in this advertisement. The committee will determine whether each applicant is qualified, and assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment.
Online interviews with selected candidates are expected during week 2 - January 5-9, 2026.
For information about the recruitment process, visit: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
Contact Information
For specific information about the Post-doc positions and SPINE project, please contact:
Katrine Ellemose Lindvig
Email: Katrine.lindvig@ind.ku.dk
Phone: +45 35 32 03 71
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all qualified candidates regardless of personal background to apply for these positions.