Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies with Health Research Profile in University of Southern Denmark – Denmark

Summary

The Department of Culture and Language at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), is inviting applications for a tenure-track DIAS Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies with a Profile in Health Research, based in Odense. Affiliated with the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), this position aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cultural analysis and health-related challenges. The role involves teaching, supervising, and developing curriculum for BA and MA programmes in Cultural Studies, alongside conducting research in health humanities. Applicants must hold a PhD in Cultural Studies or a closely related field. The candidate will undergo a structured tenure-track process leading to a permanent associate professor position upon successful evaluation. Applications require standard academic documents including a research plan and teaching portfolio.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Culture and Language
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Cultural Studies
Research Area	Health Humanities / Cultural Studies of Health
Degree Required	PhD in Cultural Studies or closely related field
Experience	Teaching and supervision experience, potential for international publications, and interest in external funding.
Contract Duration	Tenure-track position leading to a permanent associate professorship subject to positive assessment.
Language	English (Danish proficiency to be acquired within reasonable period)
Required Documents	Application letter, CV, Diplomas, Complete list of publications, Research plan, Teaching portfolio, Up to 4 relevant publications with co-author statements, Documentation of knowledge exchange and external funding experience
Employer Address	Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, Denmark
Employer Contact	Per Krogh Hansen, [email protected], +45 60111451

About the Project

The research focuses on health humanities and culturally informed health research. Key themes include cultural analyses of narratives and public understandings of illness, ageing, disability, and recovery; the cultural histories and politics of medicine and public health; media and communication of biomedical knowledge; patient cultures; and critical perspectives on ethical and social dimensions of health.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach, supervise, and develop curriculum in BA and MA programmes in Cultural Studies and related humanities subjects.
• Conduct cultural studies research focused on health, illness, care, public health, and related areas.
• Provide PhD supervision over time.
• Acquire Danish language proficiency within a reasonable period.
• Participate in annual follow-ups, mentoring, and midterm evaluation during the tenure-track period.

Required Skills

• PhD in Cultural Studies or a closely related field.
• Strong and original research profile within Cultural Studies connected to health research.
• Documented potential for international peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience or potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Relevant teaching and supervision experience.

Who Should Apply

Ambitious and internationally oriented researchers with a PhD in Cultural Studies or a closely related field who have a strong research profile in health humanities, illness, care, embodiment, or medical technology, alongside teaching experience and interdisciplinary research potential.

Benefits

• Tenure-track path leading to a permanent associate professor position without a new advertisement upon positive assessment.
• Mentoring, annual follow-up, and midterm evaluation.
• Affiliation with the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS).

About the Employer

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is one of Denmark's leading universities with over 27,000 students. Its Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) is an interdisciplinary institute fostering curiosity-driven and challenge-oriented research across fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this position located?

The position is located at Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, Denmark.

What language is required for teaching?

Teaching is conducted in English, but the successful candidate is expected to acquire Danish proficiency within a reasonable period.

What is the career progression for this tenure-track post?

Following positive evaluation during the tenure-track period, the position transfers into a permanent associate professor position without a new job advertisement.

Who can be contacted for questions about the role?

Applicants can contact Head of Department Per Krogh Hansen at [email protected] or by phone at +45 60111451.