Postdoc in Organizing Local Sustainability

Aarhus Universitet; Denmark; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University’s Department of Digital Design and Information Studies invites applications for a postdoctoral position in sustainability and organizational studies, linked to the Jordfast project. The fellow will conduct fieldwork, develop insights for high-impact journals, and contribute to dissemination activities on-site at Samsø Energy Academy.

The successful candidate will teach and supervise BA and MA students, publish internationally, and collaborate across institutions in Denmark and

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualifications in organizations, society, and sustainability.
• Experience in self-directed management of research projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent fieldwork and data collections.
• Publish research insights in high-impact journals.
• Engage in dissemination activities such as conferences.
• Coordinate practice-based activities.
• Teach and supervise at BA and MA levels; contribute to teaching in English and Danish.

Skills

Research design

Fieldwork

Interpersonal communication

Dissemination to journals

Education

PhD in organizations/sustainability or related field

Job description

Postdoc in Organizing Local Sustainability

The Department of Digital Design and Information Studies within the School of Communication and Culture at Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in sustainability and organizational studies. The postdoc position is affiliated with the research project ‘Jordfast: Mapping paths to democratic sustainability ’ funded by Velux Foundation and School of Communication and Culture.

The postdoc position is a full-time and 2-year fixed-term position. The position begins on 15/10/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The School of Communication and Culture is committed to diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their personal background.

Project

“Jordfast” is a four-year research-to-practice project (2026–2029) designed to bridge the democratic gap in sustainable rural development by anchoring environmental transitions in local participatory processes. Using the Danish island of Samsø as a “living laboratory,” the project combines critical placemaking theories with deliberative democracy to develop tools like a digital/physical atlas that empower citizens—such as farmers, fishermen, and youth—to co-create solutions for land-use conflicts and climate adaptation. The initiative is led by the Samsø Energy Academy (SEA), which handles the project’s coordination. The research project is led by a team from Aarhus University and Southern Denmark.

Postdoc position

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Conduct independent fieldwork and data collections
• Public research insights in high-impact journals
• Engage in research dissemination activities such as attending conferences
• Coordinate practice-based activities

Note: since it is a collaborative project led by the Samsø Energy Academy, the candidate is expected to conduct a significant amount of work on site at the Academy, which is located on the island of Samsø (https://energiakademiet.dk/).

Teaching and supervision

As postdoc in the Department of Digital Design and Information Studies, your position is primarily research-based, but it will also involve a small degree of teaching and supervision. To that end, the successful applicant will be expected to take part in the department’s teaching and supervision activities and to teach and supervise at BA and MA levels.

Given the international focus of the degree programmes, the successful applicant will be expected to teach in English as well as Danish.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD degree or must document equivalent qualifications in a relevant field related to organizations, society, and sustainability. Applicants must be able to document, relevant to the position:

• an internationally oriented research profile within organization studies, sustainability, or other related social sciences (such as sociology, anthropology, geography) as documented by a PhD dissertation and/or research publications
• experience in the self-directed management of research projects
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in order to engage productively both within the research team and with external organisations and institutions.

Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if applicants can document

• a track record of research publications of a high international standard, as commensurate with the length of the applicant’s academic career
• relevant teaching experience at university level
• experience of participation in national and international research networks
• time spent abroad working at one or more internationally recognised research institutions.
• Competence in Danish language (both reading and speaking)
• Experience in field research and community engagement

Finally, applicants are asked to provide a proposal for research to be undertaken within the stated framework of the research project (max. three pages).

Please note that applications that do not include uploaded publications (maximum two ) will not be considered.

Although the Aarhus University application system includes an option to upload letters of recommendation, please do not include letters of recommendation or references with the application. Applicants who are invited to an interview may be asked to provide references.

Work environment

Active participation in the daily life of the department is a high priority, and we emphasise the importance of good working relationships, both among colleagues and with our students. In order to maintain and develop the department’s excellent teaching and research environment, the successful applicant is expected to maintain a consistent, engaged presence within the department.

We respect the balance between work and private life and strive to create a work environment in which that balance can be maintained. You can read more about family and work-life balance in Denmark.

The place of employment is Department of Digital Design and Information Studies at Helsingforsgade 14, Aarhus 8200.

Department of Digital Design and Information Studies at Aarhus University is one of the strongest IT‑focused academic environments in Europe. Our researchers, lecturers, and students explore how digital technologies shape people’s everyday lives, society, and future, and our research actively contributes to understanding and addressing the major technological and ethical challenges of our time. See more information here: https://cc.au.dk/en/digital-design-and-information-studies .

Prospective applicants are invited to view the department’s website.

For further information about the position, please contact the principal investigator (PI), Shuang L. Frost, [e-mail]

If you need help uploading your application or have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Arts HR support by email: [e-mail] .

Formalities

• Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order) .
• Appointment shall be in accordance with thecollective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Financeand the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
• The application must outline the applicant's motivation for applying for the position, attaching a curriculum vitae, a teaching portfolio, a complete list of published works, copies of degree certificates and examples of academic production (mandatory, but no more than twoexamples). Please upload this material electronically along with your application.

Aarhus University also offers a junior researcher development programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here: https://talent.au.dk/junior-researcher-development-programme/
If nothing else is noted, applications must be submitted in English. The application deadline is at 11.59 pm Danish time (same as Central European Time) on the deadline day.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Shortlists may be prepared with the candidates that have been selected for a detailed academic assessment. A committee set up by the head of school is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates. See this link for further information about shortlisting at the Faculty of Arts:shortlisting

About Arts

The Faculty of Arts is one of Northern Europe’s most significant faculties for research and higher education in the humanities, theology and education.Within this broad academic scope, the faculty comprises approximately 700 researchers, 200 PhD students, 9,000 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students, and 1,500 further and continuing education students. We believe that the best ideas arise when different perspectives meet – and that research, teaching and innovation are best developed in dialogue with the surrounding society.
You can find more information here: Faculty of Arts | Aarhus University