2–3 Three-year Postdoc Positions in Political Science

The Department of Political Science at Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, invites applications for 2–3 three-year postdoctoral positions at the Centre for the Experimental-Philosophical Study of Discrimination (CEPDISC). The positions offer a unique opportunity to develop a strong research profile within the experimental-philosophical study of discrimination in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. CEPDISC brings together philosophical analysis and empirical social science, including political psychology, political behaviour, and experimental methods. The positions are full-time and expected to commence on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to mutual agreement.

At CEPDISC, we ask three main research questions: 1) What is discrimination and what forms of discrimination exist? 2) What are the main grounds for objecting to discrimination and how do these relate? 3) What are the psychological mechanisms behind discrimination and what can and should be done to counteract/mitigate discrimination? We pursue these questions through 11 work packages. You can read more about the centre and the work packages here.

We are looking for candidates who can contribute to answering our three research questions, and applicants are expected to explain in their application how their research can contribute to answering one or more of them. Applicants are most welcome to contact relevant WP leaders prior to submitting their application. We recognize that research plans often evolve, and applicants with ideas that would modify or expand our current research areas should not be discouraged from applying. 

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher positions are fixed-term academic research positions. CEPDISC functions as a research team, and the selected applicants are expected to engage in collaborative research with other members across the centre. As part of smaller, interdisciplinary teams within the centre, each selected candidate is expected to contribute substantially to publications and the position will involve a variety of tasks, e.g., philosophical analysis, research design development, data collection, analysis, and if relevant dissemination. All employees at the centre are also expected to take part in the research activities at the centre on a daily basis. This also includes some administrative tasks, e.g., in relation to organising and participating in workshops, seminars etc.  These positions offer strong opportunities for mentoring, academic networking, and developing an independent research agenda. Funding for travel, guest invitations, and original data collection or research assistance are also available. In addition to the outlined research tasks, the positions carry limited teaching obligations, leaving ample time for research.

Your qualifications

We seek applicants with training in the areas of political science, philosophy, social psychology, sociology, law, economics, or related fields, preferably with a background in research on discrimination. We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in discrimination research, preferably from an experimental-philosophical perspective, or at least from either an empirical-experimental or a philosophical perspective. Applicants are required to possess a PhD degree (or near completion of a PhD degree) in one of the above-mentioned fields. We expect candidates to have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English, and an ability to produce state-of-the-art research and work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating across sub-projects and research teams. 

What we offer

• Projects that study core aspects of discrimination
• A work environment at one of Europe’s leading political science departments with a dynamic, and collaborative atmosphere
• Excellent development opportunities and research support, including funding for conferences/travel and original research
• Competitive salary 

Who are we

Kasper Lippert-Rasmussen is Director of CEPDISC and Kim Mannemar Sønderskov the Vice-Director. For an overview of the centre’s organization and core group members see here.

CEPDISC is funded for a 10-year period by the Danish National Research Foundation. The centre consists of approx. 20 members, and is part of the Department of Political Science, Aarhus University. With around 130 academic staff members and 40 PhD students, the Department of Political Science is among Europe’s largest political science departments. The research at the department covers most political science disciplines, including political sociology and public administration, and represents a variety of methodological approaches. We are among Europe’s highest-ranked departments (and in the global top 20). We offer a vibrant, supportive, and collegial research and teaching environment characterized by pluralism and openness. We expect active participation in the activities of the department, which includes being present at the department at least three days per week. The department is part of Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University – a top 100 university. Aarhus BSS has achieved the triple-crown AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accreditations. 

Further information

Applicants are welcome to contact Centre Director Kasper Lippert-Rasmussen per e-mail: Lippert@ps.au.dk or the relevant WP leader(s) prior to submitting their application. 

Place of work

Department of Political Science, Bartholins Allé 7, DK-8000 Aarhus C. 

Deadline

15 September 2026.

International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information here:
https://internationalstaff.au.dk/relocationservice/

Please find more information about research opportunities at Aarhus University here: http://international.au.dk/research/

Terms of employment

The appointment is made in accordance with the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities as well as the circular on the Collective Agreement for Academics Employed by the State (in Danish).
The job content and qualification requirements are described in further detail in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of  Academic Staff at Universities.  

Application procedure

When you apply for this position it is mandatory to attach the following:

• Application
• Curriculum Vitae. You are encouraged to declare any periods of leave without research activity, including, for example, maternity leave, since your research activities are assessed in relation to your actual research time
• Education (diploma for master's, PhD and possibly higher doctoral degree)
• List of publications (the enclosed publications must be clearly marked on the list of publications)
• Publications. Up to three publications can be included in the application. In the event of several authors the publications must be accompanied by a co-author statement concerning the applicant's share of the collaborative work with the consent of the co-authors. This template may be used for the purpose
• Teaching portfolio. The specific requirements regarding the documentation can be found here

Materials which cannot be uploaded together with the application may be submitted in three copies to Aarhus BSS HR & PhD, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 16, DK-8000 Aarhus C.
 
Read more about how to apply for an academic post at Aarhus BSS here 

The evaluation process

After the application deadline, an assessment committee is appointed. Please note that the assessment of applicants is based solely on the material received prior to the application deadline. For further information, see Guidelines for Assessment Committee, Aarhus BSS.

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 37,000 students (FTEs) and 8,700 employees and has an annual revenue of EUR 1.106 billion. Learn more atwww.international.au.dk/

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