PhD Fellowship in Green Transition Policy - University of Copenhagen
Department of Food and Resource Economics, Section for Production, Markets and Policy, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Sustainability Transitions. The project is part of the “Green Transition Policy Centre”, which is financed by the Carlsberg Foundation.
Start date is (expected to be) January 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
The Green Transition Policy Centre (GreenTraC) is dedicated to developing a comprehensive theory of green transition policy, focusing on how policies can address the complexity and urgency of the advanced phase of the energy transition. GreenTraC aims to uncover the causal relationships between key factors—such as political, institutional, and technological conditions—and their effects on green transition processes. Our research focuses on policy mixes designed to decarbonize three key sectors where progress has been slow and rapid acceleration is critical: the agrifood sector, energy-intensive industries (e.g., cement and chemicals), and maritime transport across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. By analyzing these sectors, GreenTraC seeks to identify how well-designed policy mixes can facilitate faster emission reductions and promote sustainable practices in areas with high environmental impact
GreenTraC combines qualitative approaches with the use of data science techniques. Consequently, the current PhD fellowship focuses on mapping, tracking and analysing green transition policy mixes using Natural Language Processing and mixed-methods research, aiming to develop and apply techniques for causal inference of mapped policy patterns.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a candidate with a strongly interdisciplinary background. Given the topic of the research, requirements for the candidates are:
- Strong data and programming background, experience constructing, handling and analysing (large) datasets.
- Experience working with public climate and environmental policy and legislation at international, EU and member-state level (preferably the Scandinavian countries).
- Experience applying data science techniques, including Natural Language Processing, within these fields.
- Preferably, experience disseminating scientific knowledge in a public policy context, e.g. through publishing policy reports, and academic papers.
Our group and research – and what do we offer?
GreenTraC and the position is located within the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability Transitions (EIST) research group. The overall purpose of the EIST research group is to understand the development and diffusion of radical solutions in sectors that produce and deliver societal services such as energy, agri-food and materials. The group is a part of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
Principal supervisor isProfessor Teis Hansen, Department of Food and Resource Economics, harrisvanessamarkleetandersonteis.hansen@mcbride-lee.dkthomas.dkifro.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 3532 1517.
The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), for candidates with an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
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Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD 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 of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD 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.
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. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD 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 PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in transitions policy and natural language processing
- Good language skills
Physical presence at IFRO is considered as a natural part of being an employee to contribute to a welcoming, socially pleasant, creative and innovative work environment. IFRO offers the possibility for flexibility and working from home, but an employee is expected to regularly be present physically at IFRO.
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is October 20th, 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor 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 44-45 2025.
Applicants must be prepared for further security screening related to international research collaborations as part of the recruitment process, when UCPH considers it appropriate from a holistic consideration
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD 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