About the opportunity
The Center for Industrial Software (CIS) at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a three-year PhD position in Responsible AI in Software Engineering Education. Based at SDU’s Sønderborg campus and funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation as part of the PREPARE project, the research examines how students use generative AI and translates findings into agency artifacts, assessment designs, and live course interventions. The position starts on 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Salary and benefits
- Three-year salaried PhD fellowship
- Monthly gross salary including pension starting at 37,075 DKK, with higher salary steps available for relevant postgraduate experience
- Funding support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation
- Opportunity to conduct live pedagogical research and collaborate across two universities
Who can apply?
- A master's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a closely related field, equivalent to a Danish master's degree including a substantial thesis component, completed before the starting date
- A grade average at or above 10 on the Danish 7-point scale or a documented equivalent
- Documented ability to carry out independent scientific work through the master's thesis
- Practical familiarity with software engineering and how software is built
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
Required documents
- Motivated application uploaded under Cover letter (max 5 MB)
- Curriculum Vitae uploaded under Resume (max 5 MB)
- Two recommendation letters, optionally using the Faculty reference letter form
- Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and grade transcripts with official English translations
- Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants
- Completed TEK PhD form for calculation of grade point average
- Official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding university if non-Danish
- Official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project for programs evaluating via approved/not approved, confirming top 30 percent class ranking
- List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, if applicable
- Statement or documentation of other relevant qualifications
When to apply
- Date posted: September 22, 2026
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM (CET/CEST)
- Position start date: March 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and SDU application guidelines
- Prepare all required application documents in English and PDF format with unlocked files, no password protection, and crossed-out CPR numbers
- Upload motivated application under Cover letter and CV under Resume
- Upload remaining required documents under Miscellaneous documents
- Submit the application through the online Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal by the deadline
Additional information
- The position is part of PREPARE (Pedagogical Alignment for Responsible AI in Software Engineering Education), a joint project between SDU and the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU).
- Background checks may be conducted based on open sources due to security measures in critical technologies.
- For inquiries, contact Associate Professor Adam Alami at adal@mmmi.sdu.dk.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in computer science, software engineering, or education with a genuine motivation for teaching research.
- Experience or strong interest in empirical research methods such as interviews, interventions, and mixed-methods designs.
- Desire to directly shape how higher education adapts to generative artificial intelligence through practical classroom interventions.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Sønderborg, Denmark, is required for this on-site university position.
- The position is a fixed three-year commitment tied to specific research deliverables under a multi-university project.
- Strict documentation requirements apply, including official grade conversion scales and thesis grading statements for international applicants.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fully funded PhD position is ideal for researchers looking to bridge technical software engineering competence with educational science. It offers a structured pathway to doctoral completion while building tangible expertise in computing education research, academic publishing, and stakeholder engagement.
Our take
Candidates holding a qualifying master's degree with strong academic records who are passionate about responsible AI integration in engineering education should apply before the October 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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