Post-doctoral position in History of the Physical Sciences

The Niels Bohr Archive and the Section for History and Philosophy of Science in the Department of Science Education invite applicants for a three-year Post-doctoral position in history of the physical sciences. The selected candidate will work with Professor Richard Staley on a project of their own design. Projects that develop creative approaches to the history of the climate sciences, physics as an environmental science, the collections of the Niels Bohr Archive, physics education and/or the past and future of science archives would be particularly welcome.

Start date is 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Who are we looking for?
Applicants should have a PhD in history of science or a closely related field of study and significant research experience in the history of the physical sciences. The field of specialisation is open but a willingness to engage across traditional subject and disciplinary boundaries and to develop historical resources in collaborative research are welcomed. So too are projects that develop the resources of the Niels Bohr Archive and engage with the work of the Department of Science Education. The postdoc’s duties will include research in history of science with the possibility of some teaching through the Department of Science Education. The post may also include performance of other duties.

About the Niels Bohr Archive
The Niels Bohr Archive (NBA) is an independent institution overseen by the University of Copenhagen with its own board of directors. Directed by Dr Christian Joas and located at the Niels Bohr Institute, it holds extensive archival material documenting the life and work of Niels Bohr, the institute that he established, the tradition he created, and his work with collaborators. NBA produces its own research and publications, and makes its archival collections available to researchers worldwide; more information is available at its website: https://nbarchive.ku.dk. It has also developed an outreach function. Over the years it has established itself as a central institution for documenting the history of modern physics and its social and philosophical implications. It is currently working to expand its archival and research activities.

About the Section for History and Philosophy of Science
The Section for History and Philosophy of Science currently has 10 permanent faculty members and offers creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research is dedicated to history and philosophy of science, with a focus on practice-oriented and empirically informed history and philosophy of science, addressing epistemological and ethical aspects of science and its use. Our website https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/about/shps/ provides more information on the members of the Section and the research we conduct. The Section is part of the Department of Science Education, in the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen.

About the Department of Science Education
The department consist of approximately 80 persons and has since 2007 developed into one of the largest European research units in science education. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and an attractive and friendly work environment. Approximately 40% of the department’s tenured researchers are international. It is a hallmark of our research to unite strong fundamental and applied research with high impact in society. Further information on the Department is available at http://www.ind.ku.dk/english.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Deputy Head of Department for Teaching Kris Harper, [email protected], or Niels Bohr Archive Director Christian Joas, [email protected], +4535334654, or Post-doc Supervisor Richard Staley, [email protected], +4540201102.

The NBA and the Department of Science Education share common facilities and are located centrally in Copenhagen, in the Niels Bohr Building near the central park Fælledparken.

Copenhagen is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world with a rich culture within music, theater and associations (https://www.visitcopenhagen.com). Life for families is made easier by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity/parental leave and six weeks of annual vacation. International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at https://workindenmark.dk/. Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (https://ism.ku.dk/). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Cover letter (max. two pages)
2. Motivation letter outlining previous and proposed research and explaining your reasons for applying for this particular Post-doc position (max. three pages)
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent) and a transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If the PhD degree was not yet been awarded, please include a written statement from the institution or supervisor about the expected date of the defense.
5. Publication list (if available)
6. Separate reprints of at most three relevant publications
7. Names and email addresses of two references (reference letters are not required)

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 2 December 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates will be held in January 2025 via Zoom.