Associate Professor in Sociology

The Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as associate professor in sociology in the field of urban sociology and criminology from September 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of People and Technology is the university's largest department, encompassing a wide range of disciplines centered on the interactions between humans, society, and technology. Key focus areas include sustainable transitions, social interventions and entrepreneurship, urban planning, digital transformation, data science, and work and health studies. The position is associated with the MOSPUS research group, which explores the spatial reorganization of society. The group investigates the dynamic relationships between everyday life, culture, settlement patterns, industries, mobility, social exclusion, intercultural relations, new technologies, and the creative industries - calling for innovative theoretical and practical approaches.  

Read more about the MOSPUS research group here: Mobility, Space, Place and Urban Studies (MOSPUS) - Roskilde University Research Portal

Read more about the department here: https://ruc.dk/en/department-people-and-technology
 

Responsibilities and tasks
We are looking for a profile that thrives in an interdisciplinary research and education environment and who can help grow and develop the MOSPUS research environment in the field of urban sociology and marginalization.

We expect the candidate to demonstrate an ability to conduct research, based on qualitative and ethnographic research methods. The ideal candidate should have experience with research in the fields of ethnic minorities, marginalized groups, disadvantaged neighborhoods, and criminal groups in urban communities.  

The candidate is expected to continuously publish high-level research publications. Furthermore, the associate professor is expected to contribute to external fundraising for research, manage research projects, provide guidance and supervision of early-career researchers as well as take part in academic assessments.

The candidate is expected to teach and supervise in an interdisciplinary educational environment which is based on problem-oriented project learning (PPL) both at the BA and MA level. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to contribute to the department’s PhD-program.

In addition to research and PPL-based teaching, the position also requires the sharing of knowledge with the rest of society – including participation in public debate.

Read more about faculty expectations at Roskilde University here: https://intra.ruc.dk/?eID=push&docID=55610.
 

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, the candidate should match most of the following characteristics:

• A PhD degree within sociology or equivalent.

Documented research publication at an international level demonstrating research competencies in the following areas:

• Qualitative and ethnographic research methods
• Disadvantaged neighborhoods
• Criminology and social problems
• Ethnic minority groups

Documented teaching experiences within topics related to the field

Documented pedagogical qualifications

Interest in and preferably experience with problem and project-based teaching and learning in an interdisciplinary environment.

The candidate will be expected to teach in Danish-language programs. Candidates who do not speak Danish (or possibly Swedish or Norwegian) will be requested to acquire the necessary skills in Danish within the first two years of service.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to:

• scientific production and research perspective at an international level in the fields listed above
• the ability to create an engaged and interactive learning environment that motivates and inspires students to develop all aspects of their profiles,
• experiences with problem-oriented learning methods
• ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation
• the ability to attract external funding and manage research projects
• networks and collaborative abilities

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Thomas Budde Christensen on tel. (+45) 4674 2637.

Terms of employment
The employment is full time, 37 hours per week, and you will refer to Acting Dean, 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.  

Application procedure 
After the deadline for applications the Dean 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 
4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here) 
5. A complete list of publications 
6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment. If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here) 

Please submit your application no later than April 4th. 2025. 

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.