About the opportunity
The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, invites applications for one or more full-time Postdoc positions in the ‘Hybrid War and Democracy’ initiative. The project explores changes in how international conflicts are waged, focusing on domestic and foreign influence campaigns bolstered by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The postdoc will be part of an interdisciplinary project team collaborating closely with scholars at DIAS and the Centre for Digital Democracy (DDC). Research will involve quantitative and computational techniques, surveys, and experiments. Employment is expected to begin on April 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of up to two years. The place of employment is Odense, and physical presence is required.
Salary and benefits
- Salary determined in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the Danish state
- Provision of Danish language training for foreign applicants
- Support services from the International Staff Office (ISO) regarding salary, taxation, housing, and accompanying family
- Integration into an interdisciplinary research environment at DIAS and the Centre for Digital Democracy
Who can apply?
- Hold a PhD degree or equivalent
- Background in computational social sciences, data science, computer science, communication, political science, linguistics, information studies, digital humanities, sociology, or psychology
- Research profile grounded in the use of computational methods to answer social science questions
- Ability to code proficiently in R or Python
- Capability to work independently and on a team through all phases of the research process
- Ability to communicate project results in English both in writing and to the broader public
Required documents
- Cover letter stating specific interest and qualifications for the project (max two pages, with a GitHub link or proof of coding proficiency strongly encouraged)
- Detailed CV including personal contact information and date entries
- Copies of certificates and diplomas (BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees)
- Names and complete contact details of at least two references
- Complete list of publications indicating relevant publications
- The 3 most relevant publications or unpublished chapters of the PhD thesis (with co-author statements included if co-authored)
- Teaching portfolio as documentation for teaching experience, if applicable
When to apply
- Application deadline is November 23, 2026, at 23:59 CET/CEST
- Employment is expected to begin on April 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in unlocked Adobe PDF format (application and CV each under 10 MB)
- Ensure all non-Danish documents are translated into English and CPR numbers are crossed out
- Submit the application electronically through the official online portal using the 'Apply now' link
Additional information
- Shortlisting and a short coding test may be used in the assessment process
- Applicants interested in both this position and the related DIAS Fellow position in Hybrid War and Democratic Challenges must submit a separate application for each vacancy
- Inquiries about the project and positions can be directed to Prof. Claes de Vreese via email at chv@sam.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…
- Researchers with a robust background in computational social sciences or data science who want to apply quantitative techniques to pressing geopolitical and democratic challenges.
- Scholars eager to work in an interdisciplinary environment bridging computer science, political science, and digital humanities.
- Candidates who code proficiently in R or Python and have a track record or strong interest in publishing high-impact international research.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires physical presence and work in Odense, Denmark.
- The position is fixed-term for a period of up to two years.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected without substantive evaluation, and all non-Danish documents require English translation.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-year postdoctoral position offers an excellent stepping stone for early-career researchers aiming to establish an international academic profile in computational social sciences and digital democracy. It provides dedicated time for research, grant acquisition, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a prestigious institute.
Our take
This opportunity is ideal for quantitative-minded researchers and data scientists with a PhD looking to address modern democratic threats in a collaborative academic setting. Applicants must be prepared to relocate to Denmark and commit to a two-year fixed-term contract.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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