About the opportunity
The Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a full-time three-year PhD scholarship, starting on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. This PhD project forms part of the research project “Sensing Korea: Reframing Korean Studies in the Nordic Countries,” funded by the Academy of Korean Studies and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. Led by Barbara Wall, Sensing Korea explores the diversity of Korean experiences through sensory and narrative approaches. The successful candidate will conduct independent research under supervision, complete 180 ECTS points, contribute to teaching and departmental tasks corresponding to 840 working hours over six months, and collaborate with scholars across Nordic universities.
Salary and benefits
- Salary starting at approximately DKK 30,200 per month (approx. EUR 4,040)
- An 18.07% pension contribution
- Employment as a regular salaried PhD fellow under the collective agreement for academics in the state sector
- Support from the university for international researchers and accompanying families before and during relocation
- Access to active research environments in Denmark and abroad, including research training courses
Who can apply?
- Qualifications corresponding to a master's degree in Korean Studies or a related field in the humanities, such as Literary Studies, Sensory Studies, Musicology, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, History, Art History/Visual Culture, Performance Studies, or East Asian Studies
- Danish master's degree covered by the collective agreement for academics in the state sector (if educated in Denmark)
- Master's degree equivalent to a two-year Danish master's degree, or at least a bachelor's degree equivalent to a three-year Danish bachelor's degree with professional qualifications at master's level (if educated outside Denmark)
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken academic English and Korean
- Proficiency in a Scandinavian language and/or Literary Sinitic (Hanmun) is considered an advantage
Required documents
- Personal statement of maximum one page outlining how the project relates to department activities and personal qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of maximum one page
- List of publications (where relevant)
- Copy of Master's degree diploma or pre-approval of Master's thesis
- Copy of Master's degree transcript
- Copy of Bachelor's degree diploma
- Copy of Bachelor's degree transcript
- Official translations of diplomas and transcripts into English, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish if issued in other languages
- Official description of the grading scale and diploma supplement where relevant
- China Credentials Verification (CHSI) certificate (for Chinese applicants)
- Preliminary project description covering problem formulation, objectives, methodology, design, and timetable (maximum 5 pages / 12,000 characters)
When to apply
- Application deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
- Expected starting date is 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents including personal statement, CV, academic transcripts, diplomas, and project description
- Submit the application online via the official recruitment portal using the "Apply for the position" link in PDF or Microsoft Word format
Additional information
- The position ID number is 211-2541/26-2H
- The PhD candidate is required to carry out 840 working hours (6 months) of departmental tasks, primarily teaching
- Enrollment at the PhD School of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen is a prerequisite for employment
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…
- Researchers specializing in Korean Studies, literary studies, or sensory studies who want to contribute to an international, collaborative Nordic research project.
- Candidates who have strong academic writing skills and are eager to combine independent PhD research with university-level teaching experience.
- Applicants seeking fully funded, salaried doctoral training within a prominent European research university.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Denmark is required for the duration of the three-year appointment.
- The position includes a mandatory commitment of 840 working hours (equivalent to 6 months) dedicated to teaching and other departmental duties alongside thesis work.
- Competition is intense as only a single position is available for this specific project cycle.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fully funded position offers an exceptional stepping stone for early-career researchers aiming for an academic career or specialized roles requiring high-level cross-cultural expertise. It provides financial stability, structured research training, and international networking opportunities across Nordic universities.
Our take
Strong candidates with a solid background in Korean Studies or related humanities disciplines and high-level language proficiency should seriously consider applying before the November deadline. Those unable to relocate or balance mandatory teaching duties alongside doctoral research may find the role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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