Senior Researcher in European Foreign and Security policy
DIIS wants to strengthen its research in European foreign and security policy and the changes currently taking place in Europe with rearmament, increased focus on security and defense and what this means both for cooperation within the EU and Europe's role in the world. Do you want to help expand the research environment at DIIS within European foreign and security policy with a focus on some of the key players, including Germany and France? Then you might be our new colleague at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS).
About DIIS and the position
At DIIS, we have a long tradition of contributing to the development of research and analysis in international studies. We provide research-based independent input to decision-makers and the public debate on current issues of importance to Danish security, foreign and development policy. As an employee at DIIS, you will be part of a vibrant research environment at an institution that aims to be a leader in interdisciplinary research, policy analysis and dissemination on international issues of importance to Denmark's role in the world.
You will be affiliated with the Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Unit, where we do research on the dynamics that shape states' foreign and security policy, diplomatic relations, and global governance processes. Key themes of our current activities are the changes in the European security architecture because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US reorientation and changes in the transatlantic relationship, and how Denmark and Europe meet these changes. It is the latter that we want to strengthen with a senior researcher who can help expand the research environment at DIIS on European foreign and security policy with a focus on some of the key actors, including Germany and France.
Your research can be within the following topics:
- Political, economic and/or legal dimensions of European foreign and security policy
- EU as a global actor
- Europe's interaction with external actors (Europe's neighborhood and/ or international organizations)
Expectations of a Senior Researcher at DIIS
A senior researcher at DIIS contributes to research, policy, public dissemination and fundraising activities. We expect good interpersonal skills and an interest in joining formal forums and working groups at DIIS. The candidate must have an excellent academic record with high-quality research published in leading international outlets. The candidate should have considerable experience with disseminating research findings to non-academic stakeholders and a keen interest in producing research-based policy outputs. The candidate should have proven experience applying for competitive research funds as PI and have the motivation for and ability to mentoring junior researchers in relation to research and policy work.
The application
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this position regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or disabilities. Deadline: September 15th, 2025
An external evaluation committee will assess the applicants deemed qualified for the position.
The application must include all the following items in order be considered:
- A cover letter with your motivation for applying for the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Master’s and PhD diplomas
- A complete 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. Only publications written in English or in a Scandinavian language will be reviewed
- Documentation of research-based public dissemination activities (policy work, media etc.)
- A research statement of maximum 500 words (separate from the cover letter). The statement should elaborate on the exact research area the candidate will contribute to, how it builds on previous research, and how it fits into DIIS’ profile.
- Apply through the button APPLY at the bottom of this page, not by email please.
Salary and Terms of Employment
The position as senior researcher is a full-time position, where you can expect some travel activity. We would like you to start 1 December 2025 or soon thereafter.
You will be employed according to the applicable collective agreement for academic employees in Denmark. The starting yearly salary as a senior researcher is from DKK 516.564 to 541.140 excl. pension (18,03%). In addition, there is an opportunity to negotiate a personal qualification supplement depending on your experience and skills. Depending on specific tasks and projects, functional supplements may also be considered.
Non-residents of Denmark may be eligible to apply for taxation under the special researcher scheme, which offers a gross tax rate of 32.84% for up to seven years. For further details, please refer to the Danish Tax Authorities.
Want to know more? Read more on www.diis.dk/jobs if you want to know more about DIIS as a workplace. Questions about salary and employment conditions as well as the application process itself can be directed to HR@diis.dk Questions about the position itself can be directed to Head of Unit Cecilie Felicia Stokholm Banke cfb@diis.dk.
DIIS is an independent public research institution for international studies. We conduct and communicate multidisciplinary research on globalisation, security, development and foreign policy and within these areas we aim to be agenda-setting in research, policy and public debate.
DIIS participates in academic networks and publish in high-ranking academic journals, always striving to excel in academic scholarship.
We continuously assess Denmark's foreign and political situation and inform the Danish media, politicians and the public about our work
