The Department of Communication, Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a tenure track assistant professorship in rhetoric starting on August 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
We are looking for a new colleague who can complement the strong international research and teaching environment in rhetoric at our department.
The section of rhetoric is characterized by a research environment that integrates historical, critical, and theoretical approaches to rhetoric’s role in civic life. Most of the section’s research falls under the rubric of rhetorical criticism. Specific areas of expertise include political and activist rhetoric, literary journalism, rhetoric of science, rhetorical citizenship, online community building, and humour and satire. A distinctive trait in the degree programmes in rhetoric is the systematic integration of theory and practice and of oral and written communication, including voice production. Students are trained to become effective communicators across a variety of genres and media and to assist others in becoming better communicators. Read more about the section at: (https://comm.ku.dk/research/rhetoric/)
The candidate for this job is expected to have a solid, international research profile in rhetoric; to have teaching experience in rhetoric (theoretical, critical, and practical); and to be interested in contributing to a sound, vibrant, and healthy teaching and research environment as well as having visions and zeal for curricular design and programme development.
Special preference will be given to applicants whose research interests address pressing societal challenges such as climate and sustainability, the role of expert and other forms of knowledge in public life, digitality, social justice, war and conflict, or political and societal fragmentation.
Applicants with expertise in crisis communication or other forms of rhetoric in professional and organizational contexts will also be of significant interest for the position.
A transdisciplinary research profile and experience with a range of research methods and with digital pedagogy and case-based teaching will be considered an advantage, as will experience with teaching practical oral and written rhetoric.
Applicants are requested to indicate which courses in the BA (https://hum.ku.dk/uddannelser/aktuelle_studieordninger/retorik/retorik_ba.pdf) and MA (https://hum.ku.dk/uddannelser/aktuelle_studieordninger/retorik/retorik_ka.pdf) programmes in rhetoric they are able to teach in whole or partially.
The Department of Communication is home to approx. 80 faculty members, 35 PhD students, 20 postdocs, 30 part-time lecturers, 20 administrative staff, and 2000 students. The department annually generates approx. 30 million DKK in external research funding, and it produces research and scholarship that is world leading, and which sets the agenda for many national initiatives and conversations. The department offers seven degree programmes: Philosophy, Rhetoric, Education, Film and Media Studies, Communication and IT, Information Studies, and Cognition & Communication educating successful candidates to many sectors and parts of Danish society and beyond.
Read more about the Department of Communication at: https://comm.ku.dk
Copenhagen is a highly diverse and international Scandinavian capital with a green profile. Education is free and child-care is subsidized. Public transport is well-developed, and many Copenhageners take their bikes to work. There are lots of green areas in and around Copenhagen, the water in the harbor is clean enough for swimming, and the city has multiple museums and other cultural venues. The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the largest in Denmark.
Qualification requirements
A tenure track assistant professorship has a duration of six years. The main responsibilities consist of research, teaching, societal impact activities, departmental service tasks, and administration. The ideal candidate must complete the university’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program. The Department will appoint a mentor for the assistant professor.
At the end of the sixth year of employment, the Dean will set up an assessment committee for the purpose of evaluating the basis for a promotion to associate professor. For more information about tenure track assistant professorships at the University of Copenhagen: https://employment.ku.dk/tenure-track/tenure-track-at-ucph/.
Appointment as a tenure track assistant professor assumes research qualifications at least at Ph.D. level. Candidates must be able to document competences in research as well as teaching. Candidates are expected to document scholarly research production at an international level and must demonstrate the potential to make a significant impact in their field at both local and international levels.
Assessment criteria
Candidates deemed within the scope of the position will have their academic qualifications assessed by an Assessment Committee and is required to describe how their competences match the following criteria:
- Research qualifications, including the degree of originality and scope of peer-reviewed scientific production; the applicant’s research plan; participation in research environments; and scientific breadth and depth in relation to the position’s academic profile.
- Teaching qualifications, including research-based teaching experience and interest in developing their own pedagogic competencies (e.g., documented didactic training).
- Experience and competencies in the dissemination of research, external partnerships, and other forms of societal impact in the form of media contributions, advice, or knowledge-sharing in the public sphere.
- Experience with contributing to organisational work, collaborating with others, and generating a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy work environment.
- Experience with applications for external research funding and plans to apply for external funding.
For more information about the University of Copenhagen’s general criteria for the employment of assistant professors, please visit: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit/
For more information about the qualification requirements for assistant professorships, as stipulated in the Ministerial Order on Job structure for Academic Staff at Universities (2019), see (in Danish): https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2019/1443
Further information about the position is available from the head of department Jens-Erik Mai, e-mail: il-komm@hum.ku.dk