Postdoc in Deep Tech Entrepreneurship and University Innovation Ecosystems

 Are you passionate about understanding how deep tech startups succeed, and how universities can better support them? Are you looking for a research position where you can shape a unique dataset and generate real-world impact through science-based advice for universities, policymakers and innovation funders? 

At DTU’s Centre for Technology Entrepreneurship (DTU Entrepreneurship), we are looking for new postdocs. You will join a new research program on the role of universities and entrepreneurial ecosystems in building deep tech startups and scaleups. You will work towards building a landmark database on university deep tech startups, carry out independent, high-quality research leveraging this data, and engage with stakeholders in the Danish and international deep tech arena.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your primary focus will be to develop a comprehensive database and conduct novel research on how university innovation ecosystems influence the performance and scaling of deep tech university spinouts. The postdoc position is part of the UNIVERSE (UNIVersity Ecosystems’ Role in & Support for Entrepreneurship) initiative, and will contribute to a growing body of research at DTU and in collaboration with international partners.

Your key tasks will be to: 

• Build a comprehensive database of university-based startups in Denmark and internationally
• Collect and validate novel data on firm development, ecosystem support, funding, and performance
• Collaborate on research projects exploring success factors in deep tech entrepreneurship, including collaborate on academic papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Engage with stakeholders and communicate insights through e.g. reports and briefs
• Take the lead on academic publications in collaboration with a research team at the centre 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in entrepreneurship, innovation studies, economics, management, or a related social science discipline, and has experience with quantitative data collection and analysis. We’re looking for a colleague who is passionate about the research topic, highly organized and able to work independently, and able to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Experience with large datasets is appreciated but not required. Applicants must be fluent in English.

Salary and terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The starting date is flexible but no later than 1 January 2026. The positions are full-time positions for a total period of 1 year each.

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the 'Apply' button

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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