We are looking for expertise in the study of warfare and military operations, including (but not limited to) intelligence, military theory, country- or region-specific expertise (for example on the Russian military), and domain-specific expertise (notably space, though other domains may be relevant).About the Institute The institute is organized in four centers: land, air, maritime and joint operations. Successful applicants will be joining the Centre for Joint Operations, a group of 25 military analysts and civilian researchers. Research and teaching in the center cover operations from the tactical to the military-strategic level. We contribute to a wide range of Defence needs, including NATO and Danish doctrine development, participating in public debates, and advising the Danish Defence on operations-related matters. Researchers at RDDC enjoy academic freedom.
About the position Candidates will be expected to engage in high-quality professional research in areas of relevant expertise and contribute to the institute’s range of education from junior to senior officers pending competencies and interests.
Service responsibilities include: curriculum development; occasional committee assignments to fill institute needs; and service as a subject matter expert for the Royal Danish Defence College.
The ideal applicant A terminal degree (PhD) is required in Anthropology, History, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science, Policy, War Studies, or a closely related field.
Candidates specializing in military operations and the operational level of war are particularly desired. Prior expertise in the operational level of war is not strictly necessary, but applicants should have a keen interest in directing their research to this field and in engaging with military practice and professional military education.
Support for international applicants The Armed Forces Personnel Command advises foreign applicants (if hired) in moving to Denmark and setting up their household here. This includes assisting in getting a work and residence permit, advice in finding temporary accommodation, as well as offering advice on how best to move to Denmark, with a family if relevant.
Terms of Employment, Salary, and Contact Information You will be employed and paid according to the current Academic Agreement in the State.
As an assistant professor/associate professor at the Danish Defence Academy, you will also be covered by the current circular on certain employment conditions for civilian researchers with and without teaching obligations and civilian academic teachers at the Danish Defence Academy.
Depending on your qualifications, there will be an opportunity to negotiate a supplement. The position is linked to an employer-financed pension scheme of 18,07%.
Your educational background may need to be evaluated through a fast-track credential assessment to ensure it is equivalent to a Danish academic degree. This will be done in connection with a potential employment.
Salary Before tax, exclusive 18,07% pension:
Assistant Professor: Approximately 47.661,83 DKK per month.
Associate Professor: Approximately 55.831,89 DKK per month.
The place of employment is located in Copenhagen.
As an employee at the Ministry of Defence, you must be able to obtain a security clearance and obliged to participate in peace-making and peacekeeping operations.
You are obliged to perform service outside the national borders, including with units participating in international operations aimed at conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian, and other similar operations.
Please note: Foreign applicants may be eligible for the Special Tax Scheme for Researchers.
Contact information For further information, please contact Associate Professor Olivier Schmitt by email:
OLSC@fak.dk or Phone: +45 7281 7373.
If you have questions about conditions of employment or salary, please contact HR Consultant Julie Cramer-Palmquist by email:
FPS-JUP@mil.dk.
The application deadline is 29th of March 2026, and interviews are expected to take place shortly thereafter. The position will be sought filled as soon as possible and no later than 1th of September 2026.
Application You apply for the position via the link provided, and we ask that you attach the following:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Publication list
- Research plan for the next five years
- Teaching portfolio
- PhD, Master's, Bachelor's certificates
- Electronic copies of up to five relevant publications for the Assistant Professorship or up to ten publications for the Associate Professorship
- Co-author statements must be submitted.
Please note that all attachments must be submitted in PDF format.
If you are a non-Danish speaking applicant you can disregard the electronic application procedure and send all relevant material to
JEHA2@fak.dk.
All eligible applications will subsequently be reviewed by an academic evaluation committee (bedømmelsesudvalg) assessing eligibility for the position. Based on the committee’s assessments, interviews will be carried out with shortlisted candidates.
In the Ministry of Defence's organization, we believe that diversity optimizes task performance. Therefore, we encourage all interested individuals, regardless of background, to apply for the position.
Royal Danish Defence College The Royal Danish Defence College (RDDC) educates and trains the Danish Defence forces and international officers to solve the unique tasks of the Danish Defence and of our allies. We create lifelong learning through relevant, practice-oriented, and contemporary education and training, and we contribute to the public debate through qualified research and development. Furthermore, the RDDC is conducting research in various fields such as security policy, strategy, cultural understanding, military operations, leadership, military history, and military technology.
At the Royal Danish Defence College, we comprise approximately 450 employees. Our workforce represents a blend of civilian and military personnel, who encompasses a diverse array of roles including administrative staff, lecturers, officers, researchers, assistants, cadets, librarians etc.
The Royal Danish Defence College is located in several places in the country, but most of the employees are located at Svanemøllen's Barracks, while the other employees are located at Frederiksberg Castle, Varde, Frederikshavn and Karup.
