Postdoc in organizational psychology, organization studies and implementation of HRM initiatives

Copenhagen Business School invites applications for a vacant Postdoc at the Department of Organization with a focus on organizational psychology, organization studies and/or implementation of HRM initiatives. The position has a duration of 2 years, with an optional additional third year of teaching. The candidate is expected to start no later than July 1, 2025. 

The Postdoc is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a new research project evaluating the initiative “Nye introduktionsforløb og borgernære karriereveje på velfærdsområderne” in Herlev Municipality under the supervision of Associate Professor Johan Simonsen Abildgaard (PI). The research project is a study of an extensive initiative of developing new competency-oriented onboarding programs and career paths focusing on professional competencies among employees with citizen contact (daycare, eldercare, social work, primary school teachers etc.) Both the initiative and the research project are funded by The Danish Ministry of Employment. (Read more about the project in question here https://herlev.dk/nyheder/2025/jan/13-millioner-til-arbejdsmiljoe#:~:text=Lektor%20Johan%20Simonsen%20Abildgaard%20fra,nye%20tiltag%20i%20Herlev%20Kommune ) 

The research project is situated at the intersection of HRM, organization studies, and organizational psychology. The aim of the research project is to follow and evaluate the initiatives in Herlev municipality. The tasks of the postdoc will especially focus on data collection and analysis. This includes ethnographic fieldwork documenting the activities and shadowing of employees, managers and key project actors. As well as collaboration around survey development and conducting/analyzing interviews. Potential research themes include topics linked to implementing the changes in the municipal practices and could include psychology of interventions, meaning at work, employee participation, HRM implementation, onboarding, professional development, organizational change.  

The Postdoc candidate should have substantial training in organizational ethnography, organizational psychology, HRM, and present a applicable research focus. The project is based on in-depth qualitative research methods (organizational ethnography, interviewing, and document studies). The position requires experience with these methods, particularly ethnographic fieldwork and interviewing. Additionally the project is utilizing questionnaire data from employees, which can also be a part of the post-doc research.  

The Department of Organization (IOA) pursues a problem-oriented, business in society approach to understanding and intervening in organizations and organizational life. Our research is focused upon organizing processes and their outcomes and motivated by an interest in organization and management as a practical, situated, contested and changing matter. Our approach is interdisciplinary and combines social-scientific traditions such as organization theory, sociology, ethnography, political economy, and social psychology. Methodologically, our research is predominantly qualitative and often involves case study and fieldwork methodology. 

Teaching responsibilities of the Department comprise undergraduate and graduate teaching as well as teaching in post-experience and doctoral education. 

To fulfill the research requirements of the position, the applicant chosen is expected to be physically present on a regular basis and actively participate in the teaching and research activities of the Department. 

Qualifications 
The applicant must hold a PhD or the equivalent. In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed on research potential. Emphasis is placed on research relevant to the job description. 

The applicant must have professional proficiency in English (written and spoken). As the fieldwork will take place in Herlev Municipality, proficiency in Danish is also a requirement for this position. 

Copenhagen Business School has a broad commitment to the excellence, distinctiveness and relevance of its teaching and research programs. Candidates who wish to join us should demonstrate enthusiasm for working in an organization of this type. 

For further information please contact: Johan Simonsen Abildgaard,  
e-mail [email protected]. Information about the department may be found at www.cbs.dk/ioa. 

Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s agreement with the Central Academic Organisation. 

Application must be sent via the electronic recruitment system, using the link below. 

The application must include: 

1. A summary of the candidate’s main strengths and abilities. 

1. A complete, numbered list of publications (indicating titles, co-authors, page numbers and year) with an * marking of the academic productions to be considered during the review. A maximum of 5 publications for review are allowed. Applicants are requested to prioritize their publications in relation to the field of this job advertisement. 

1. Copies of the publications marked with an *. Only publications written in English (or another specified principal language, according to research tradition) or one of the Scandinavian languages will be taken into consideration) 

1. Information indicating experience in research management, industry co-operation and international co-operation. 

1. Documentation of relevant, significant, original research at an international level. 

1. Transcript(s) and a full CV 

Recruitment procedure 
The Recruitment Committee will shortlist a minimum of two applicants; when possible five or more applicants will be shortlisted. The shortlisted applicants will be assessed by the Assessment Committee. All applicants will be notified of their status in the recruitment process shortly after the application deadline.  

The applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the Assessment Committee and later in the process about the result of the assessment. 

Once the recruitment process is completed each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application. 

Closing date: March 11, 2025 

Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see items above), by the application deadline. 

Copenhagen Business School invites all qualified candidates to apply for the position. An appointment committee will review the applications and invite a selection of qualified candidates to an interview. 

One of CBS’ strategic goals is the promotion of diversity, which is why every effort has been made to ensure a recruitment process that reduces potential bias. Applicants are therefore encouraged not to include a photo or unnecessary personal information in their application. 

Details about Copenhagen Business School and the department are available at www.cbs.dk.