We invite applicants for a Ph D fellowship to research professional identities among science teachers in Danish primary and lower secondary schools. The project is part of the Danish Science Education Academy (NAFA) and its research program: Center of Excellence in Science Education (CESE). This program announces Ph D calls focussing on research relevant to practice in Danish primary and lower secondary education and/or teacher education. All CESE Ph D calls are organized through collaboration between a Danish university college and a Danish university. CESE Ph D candidates become part of NAFA and are linked to a CESE research project. Learn more about NAFA and the purpose of NAFA here: www.NAFA.nu .

The expected start date is May 1st, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The research project
There is significant variation in how science teachers in Denmark perceive the role of science teaching and their role as educators of primary and lower secondary school. This variation stems from numerous factors that ultimately influence students' experiences and outcomes in science education. Therefore, understanding how teachers shape and develop their professional identity is crucial, in the first years as teacher as well as along their career.

We seek a candidate for a research project focused on the professional identity of science teachers. The project should aim to explore how professional identity develops and what impact in-service professional development and/or induction activities may have on science teachers. The project should provide insights into teachers' perceptions of their professionalism and the factors that shape them as science educators, both at individual and structural levels. This may involve examining perceived barriers and opportunities in science teaching, differences and similarities among teachers with a background in different science disciplines, and how teacher collaboration may influence identity formation.

The project can include a range of methodologies, including biographical studies, anthropological research, surveys, and/or register-based studies, utilizing resources such as the teacher-student register (LER-Grundskole).

The scholarship is expected to be associated with existing activities in NAFA, focussing on teacher professional development and/or induction for newly qualified science teachers. It may also be possible to include interventions as part of the research project.

The final project design will be determined in consultation with the supervisors after the appointment.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with experience in science education in primary or lower secondary schools and/or teacher education and professional development, and both candidates with a master degree in (science) education and in related fields are encouraged to apply. Furhermore, it can be a candidate with competencies in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. Proficiency in understanding and speaking Danish or another Scandinavian language is preferred, as the Ph D candidate will conduct their research in a Danish school setting. Finally, candidates with previous experience in research dissemination and publication will also be preferred.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Ph D candidate will be affiliated with an active research and development environment at the university college as well as with an active research environment at the university. The candidate will also become part of the Ph D community under the Centre of Excellence in Science Education (CESE), where researchers and Ph D students regularly meet for seminars and courses across University Colleges and universities in Denmark.

Your supervisors will be:

• Associate professor Jan Sølberg, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, jans@ind.ku.dk , +45 21697437 (principal supervisor).
• Senior researcher and research leader, Birgitte Lund Nielsen, University College VIA, bln@via.dk , +45 28742176 (secondary supervisor)

The Ph D programme is a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular Ph D programme .

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular Ph D programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project. For information on the eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as Ph D fellow is full time and for maximum three years. Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a Ph D student at the Ph D School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The selected candidate will be employed at the University of Copenhagen. If the selected candidate has existing permanent employment at a Danish university college, it may be possible to arrange to continue in this position while being enrolled as Ph D student at the University of Copenhagen.

Terms of appointment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete Ph D courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a Ph D thesis on the basis of your project

Application and Assessment Procedure
Applications should include a Ph D project proposal with clear and relevant research questions the link to the proposed research design and methodology. In the evaluation of the application, emphasis is placed on the relevance of the research question to the research project within which it will be rooted as well as the originality of the project and the suggested research design and methodology. Another criterion is the project´s ability to relate the proposal to existing research. All applicants must be aware of and concider the general description of https://nafa.nu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2023/11/generelle-retninglinjer-til-cese-phd-opslag.pdf .

Your application including all attachments must submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Applicantions in both Danish and English are welcome.

Please include :

Application deadline: February 1st, 2025 23:59 GMT +1

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not meet the above-mentioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessment committee. You will be notified whether you qualify proceed beyond the assessment stage.

The assesment committee will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessment committee will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 9 2025.

Questions
For specific information about the Ph D fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about Ph D study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the Ph D School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.