The Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites candidates for
two postdoctoral positions in Development Economics Research Group (DERG) by
1 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The positions are expected to be for 2 years; however, the exact duration and entry on duty are subject to the final funding agreements.
Introduction The Postdoc positions will contribute to the research portfolio at the Development Economics Research Group (UCPH-DERG) at the Department of Economics. UCPH-DERG currently has projects in Kenya, Mozambique, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, and Ethiopia as well as pursuing research on selected themes. The projects cover a wide range of research topics and activities, including both original micro- and macroeconomic analyses and studies, randomized evaluations and field experiments, the implementation of surveys and other data-generating initiatives, as well as associated capacity building.
Duties and Responsibilities Activities: The postdoc duties will include research within development economics, as well as teaching and capacity building. Moreover, under the supervision of senior staff of UCPH-DERG, the incumbent will be expected to assist with tasks related to the various DERG activities and will have the opportunity to join a
range of research projects aiming for high-quality academic publications and policy impact. Country knowledge from UCPH-DERG focus countries is therefore preferable. The postdocs may also have to perform other duties, such as supporting the preparation of larger scale research funding applications. Priority tasks will relate to two new projects entitled “Research and Capacity Building for Domestic Resource Mobilisation” in which the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) is an institutional partner, on the one side, and “Promoting Green Reforms in a Rapidly Industrializing Developing Country: Energy Transition and Climate Smart Development in Vietnam”, on the other.
It is expected that one postdoc has a strong background in experimental economics (preferably from African settings) while the other should have experience in SAM/CGE modelling, preferably related to green reform issues and challenges. Qualifications A postdoctoral position is a fixed-term academic position.
The position is heavily weighted in favour of research. The position will not contribute to a broadening of pedagogical competencies. Therefore, the postdoctoral position may not alone qualify for appointment as Associate Professor/Senior Researcher. Employment as Postdoc at the Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, requires a PhD degree in economics.
Strategy of the Faculty of the Social Sciences The Department of Economics is part of the Faculty of the Social Sciences. The faculty is a successful academic community that strives to put knowledge into action by:
- Engaging partners in the co-creation of knowledge, learning and social change.
- Empowering our students to become reflective and responsible citizens who have the vision, the knowledge, and the competences to change society for the better.
- Energizing global, European, and Danish communities of knowledge by innovating research methodologies and by research findings with impact
For more on the faculty strategy, see:
Faculty of Social Sciences – University of Copenhagen.
Terms of Employment - Further information on qualification requirements as postdoc can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2025 here: https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2025/375 (In Danish only).
- Terms of appointment and salary is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
- The salary range starts at approx. DKK 39,200 per month + an 18.07 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.
The recruitment process Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here:
https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ As an applicant to the University of Copenhagen, you should be prepared to undergo a security screening related to international research collaboration as part of the recruitment process. The security screening will be conducted in cases where the University deems it appropriate based on an overall assessment.
An Equal Opportunity Workplace The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding society, and invites all qualified applicants, regardless of personal background, to apply for the positions. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see
https://employment.ku.dk/working-at-ucph/eu-charter-for-researchers/ International applicant? The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here:
https://ism.ku.dk/ Contact information Information about the recruitment process is available from HR, e-mail:
hr-soendre@adm.ku.dk, please refer to ID number: 211-2331/25-2I #2.
Additional information about the positions can be obtained from
Finn Tarp, e-mail:
finn.tarp@econ.ku.dk or from
Paolo Falco, e-mail:
paolo.falco@econ.ku.dk. How to apply Submit a complete application at our online portal. Click on the “Apply now” icon at the bottom of the page to apply. The documents must be in Adobe PDF or Word.
Your application must be written in English and include the following documents:
- Motivated application
- Curriculum vitae
- Diplomas (master and Ph.d.)
- Other relevant material
The closing date for applications is 23:59 CET 11 November 2025. Applications or enclosures received thereafter will not be considered