Department of Social Sciences and Business (ISE), Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as Associate Professor of Development Studies.The position is available from January 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
In announcing the position, ISE looks to advance its research and teaching in Development Studies broadly. Subjects of interest include, but are not limited to, political economy of development, Indigenous rights, and sustainable development.
ISE conducts interdisciplinary, collaborative, and socially engaged research based on business studies, political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, legal studies, and development studies. It is an innovative and interdisciplinary university environment characterised by academic and methodological diversity in research and education. The department’s researchers put emphasis on research methodologies, and they share a commitment to understanding businesses and society 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 achieve societal impact. Research in the department is organised in research groups. The selected candidate is expected to join one of the three research groups within the International Section; Global Political Sociology, International Development Research Group or Economic Policy, Institutions and Change. Read more about the department here and the doctoral school here.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD degree and are expected to hold a certification in higher education teaching and learning. The ideal candidate matches the following characteristics:

• International research profile broadly within Development Studies or related disciplines
• Documented research production at the highest international level, including publications in the field’s leading journals/publishing houses.
• Teaching experience at all levels within the field of development studies
• Experience teaching and using advanced social science methods is an advantage.
• Interest in project-based teaching and teaching in an interdisciplinary environment.
• The candidate should be able to document pedagogical qualifications, good teaching evaluations, and the ability to innovate within the educational field.

Moreover, the ideal candidate is enterprising and possess good communication skills, a visibly involved participant in the department’s daily activities, and willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.
Ability to teach in Danish is an asset 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.

The associate professor is first and foremost expected to conduct high quality research, maintain a steady rate of publications in ranking international academic journals, and contribute to the department’s research community. The associate professor’s work primarily includes research and research-based teaching and supervision at all levels (BA, MA and PhD) within such programmes as the Social Science Bachelor programme and the specialisations in Global and Development Studies (MA) and Samfundsøkonomi (Socio-Economics) (BA and MA). The department is also looking to enhance its engagement in continuous education. In addition to research and research-based teaching, the position also involves sharing knowledge with relevant stakeholders and the rest of society. Furthermore, the associate professor is expected to attract research grants, coordinate research projects, provide guidance and supervision of PhD students and assistant professors, participate actively in research groups and development of new teaching activities, take part in academic assessments, and engage in other activities for the department.

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• demonstrate evidence of a steady rate of international publications, including current research activity in the form of recent publications at the highest international level,
• conduct research and engage in research cooperation meeting high international standards,
• contribute to boost the international recognition of the research of the Department,
• engage in external fundraising for research at the Department,
• contribute to developing the educational programs of the Department,
• contribute to the administrative responsibilities of the Department,
• participate in the Department’s communication with stakeholders and the wider public,
• take responsibility for the long-term well-being of the department and Roskilde University,
• actively contribute to the research environment by a visible and physical presence at ISE,
• promote Roskilde University’s academic reputation.