The Department of People and Technology at Roskilde University invites applications for an open position with a focus on sustainability, cities and planning in the Doctoral School of People and Technology from 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as PhD is limited to a period of 3 years.

Research in the Section for Sustainability, Cities and Planning is multidisciplinary and spans the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and technology. With a predominant emphasis on the social sciences, it focuses on the relations between societal change, natural resources and spatial environment, and is concerned particularly with how such relations are planned and regulated, and with how the public, citizens and organizations participate in these changes. Research themes include sustainable transitions, urban planning, everyday life, mobilities, renewable energy, circular economy, urban development and politics, food and agriculture, citizen participation and empowerment, planning and regulation.

The PhD position is mainly connected to Roskilde University’s master’s degree programmes in By og Plan (Urban Planning), Nordic Urban Planning Studies and Sustainable Transitions, and it is associated with the following two research groups:

• MOSPUS: develops theoretically informed and critical research on the themes of space, place, mobility and urban studies. From an interdisciplinary basis, its work is guided by strong commitments to social and spatial justice, and to engaging with communities and practitioners in making more sustainable, democratic and just urban futures. Research themes include cities and planning, mobilities, spatial politics, everyday life and cultural diversity, materialities and urban design, and tourism (see https://ruc.dk/en/research-group/mobility-space-place-and-urban-studies)
• TRANSITIONS: aims at generating transdisciplinary knowledge about sustainable transitions with a focus on the interactions between societal and technological development. The ambition of the group is to increase the understanding of how environmental regulation, planning and governance can facilitate sustainability transitions in key societal sectors and domains. The research in particular concerns sustainable energy systems, agrifood and biosystems, and circular economy (see https://forskning.ruc.dk/da/organisations/transitions/)

We particularly welcome cutting-edge applications with a clear ambition for making new research insights, theoretical and methodological contributions to the fields of urban studies and urban planning.

Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD position is an educational position, and the main tasks are in accordance with Chapter 3 in the Ministerial Order on the PhD Program at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws- and-regulations/education/files/engelsk-ph-d-bekendtgorelse.pdf).

These tasks include writing a thesis, taking PhD courses, teaching in the department, and having a research stay at another university or institution that is typically in a different country.

Proposal
The proposal should be at 5-7 normal pages (2,400 characters per page), including references. The proposal must outline the project’s:

• Scientific purpose, relevance and novelty
• Research question(s)
• Theoretical and methodological grounding and contribution
• Envisioned methods and empirical work
• Project plan (GANT-chart)
• Relevant master’s degree or equivalent. Grades and completion time are also considered
• Additional academic requirements stated in the job advertisement
• Quality and relevance of the project proposal, including potential for cutting edge scientific contributions
• Quality and relevance of the theoretical and methodological choices
• Consistency and coherence between the problem and methodological and theoretical choices
• Whether the PhD project seems realistic and feasible
• Whether the applicant possess the necessary qualifications and experience to complete the PhD project
• Relevance of the project to the profile of the Doctoral School

Required Qualifications
Candidates must hold a master’s degree or equivalent within urban planning, environmental planning, geography, sociology or other relevant field.

Assesment
In the assessment consideration will be given to the following criteria:

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact the head of MOSPUS research group David Pinder ([email protected]), head of the TRANSITIONS group Tobias Pape Thomsen ([email protected]) or head of the section for Sustainability, Cities and Planning Thomas Budde Christensen ([email protected]). For practical questions you may also contact the PhD School ([email protected]).

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to the Head of the Department Peter Kjær.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, the salary ranges for the various job categories at Roskilde University are listed here.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Head of Department will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include: 1. Cover letter 2. CV 3. Documentation of education including grades from Master’s programme or equivalent 4. Your PhD proposal (see guidelines above) 5. Your time schedule for the PhD project 6. If applicable: Documentation for any research experience, work experience or publications.

Please submit your application no later than 1. September 2026.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The hiring process at Roskilde University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Application deadline: Apply no later than 1. September 2026

Location: Roskilde University