Postdoctoral Position in Science Education Research

The Department of Science Education invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in science education research, starting preferably 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is part of the research project Augmenting the STEM Classroom by ESS Digital Twins (ACCESS), funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. ACCESS is a collaboration between the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), and the European Spallation Source (ESS), and is led by Professor Luise Theil Kuhn, DTU Energy (Principal Investigator). The Postdoc will be employed at the Section for Didactics, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, where the work is led by Associate Professor Jesper Bruun (co-PI).

Project Description The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is a future large-scale research facility for neutron-based investigation of materials in a broad sense — from quantum materials and energy materials, over polymers and health-related materials, to biological materials. Facilities like ESS are crucial in basic and applied STEM research to address global challenges. Effective use of such facilities requires conceptual knowledge, experimental skills, and scientific competences, which students must develop in a way that is transferable from classroom to facility. However, access to instruments is highly competitive, and very few students get the opportunity for hands-on training.

ACCESS will develop digital twins of four of the first ESS instruments to aid university STEM students in becoming competent users of neutron facilities. The digital twins, built with the McStas simulation framework, will allow students to perform virtual experiments that mimic the full experimental pipeline, from selecting samples to analysing realistic data. The aim is to give students an authentic learning experience with a learning outcome that matches that of hands-on training.

The digital twins will be embedded in research-based teaching modules, initially in a specialist neutron scattering course (UCPH Physics and Nanoscience) and a broad neutron/X-ray course for non-specialists (combined DTU and UCPH within all STEM). The project employs a design-based research methodology with iterative cycles of design, testing, and refinement of the digital twins and teaching modules in real educational settings, drawing on the Model of Educational Reconstruction. A central research objective is to document how the digital twins support students in developing conceptual understanding and in transferring knowledge, skills, and competences from virtual experiments to real facilities.

In addition to this position, the ACCESS project includes two postdocs working on the development and implementation of the digital twins (at DTU Energy and the Niels Bohr Institute, UCPH) and a PhD student at DTU Learning Lab researching students' learning outcomes.

The Postdoctoral Position The Postdoc will be responsible for the science education research activities of ACCESS at the Department of Science Education and will have the opportunity to shape a coherent research profile within the project's framework. The Postdoc will co-create research-based learning material together with the neutron scientists and teachers in the project, help with the implementation of the digital twins in teaching, and collect and analyse data from the implementations. The Postdoc will work closely with the PhD student at DTU Learning Lab, who will research how students develop conceptual understanding and their ability to transfer knowledge, skills, and competences acquired from the digital twins, as well as with the two postdocs developing the digital twins.

Expected tasks include:

Co-creating research-based learning material and teaching modules built around the digital twins, in collaboration with neutron scientists and university teachers at DTU and UCPH; Participating in the design-based research cycles of design, testing, and refinement of the digital twins in real educational settings; Collecting empirical data from course implementations, for example through classroom observations, interviews with students, and questionnaires; Analysing qualitative and quantitative data related to student learning, conceptual understanding, and transfer; Publishing research results in high-quality international journals, in collaboration with the PhD student and the wider ACCESS team; Participating actively in the local research environment and project activities, including cross-institutional collaboration between DTU, UCPH, and ESS; Teaching and dissemination activities corresponding to approximately 20% of working time, primarily within teacher education and science education courses at the Department of Science Education. The successful candidate will be offered the opportunity to receive training and certification in university pedagogy.

Who Are We Looking For? We are looking for a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong interest in university science education and the use of digital and virtual learning environments in STEM teaching.

Applicants must:

Hold a PhD and have a clearly documented research profile in science education research, physics education research, chemistry education research, engineering education research, or a closely related field; Have experience with mixed-methods research, combining qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews, classroom observations, design-based research) with quantitative or analytical methods as appropriate; Be able to communicate research clearly in spoken and written English; Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team; Have documented teaching proficiency in higher education/teacher education (for example, university level courses in science education). It is considered an advantage if the applicant has:

Experience with research on digital technologies, simulations, or virtual experiments in science education; Familiarity with experimental methods such as neutron or X-ray scattering from either physics, chemistry or material engineering perspectives; Experience with design-based research or collaborating with university teachers on course development; Experience with research on learning at, or training for, large-scale research facilities. Danish language proficiency is not required for the position.

About the Department of Science Education The Department of Science Education aims to open up science and mathematics for all through research that enhances education, communication, and public engagement. The Department brings together expertise from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to lead internationally in science and mathematics education, digital education, history and philosophy of science, and science communication.

The Department currently employs approx. 100 persons – 28 of which are permanently employed researchers – many of whom are international. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and an attractive and friendly work environment for all employees, and we are determined to support PhD students, postdocs, and assistant professors in building of a foundation for their future career within and outside academia. It is a hallmark of our research to unite strong fundamental and applied research, with high impact in society.

A large part of the Department's teaching activities concerns the mandatory university pedagogical training and competence development for teaching faculty at the Faculties of Science and Health.

You may read the Department's strategy towards 2030 and you can read more about the department in general here: https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/

Terms of Employment The position is for two years. It is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff .

Terms of appointment and salary are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application and Assessment Procedure Applications must be submitted in English and uploaded electronically by clicking APPLY NOW .

The application must include:

Cover letter describing qualifications and motivation for applying (max. 2 pages); Research statement outlining relevant research experience and proposed contribution to the ACCESS project (max. 2–3 pages); Curriculum vitae; Documentation for teaching proficiency (e.g. course certificates); Copies of Master's and PhD diplomas (or documentation for expected PhD completion); Complete publication list; Up to three relevant publications (reprints or preprints); Names and email addresses of two references. Application deadline: 31 October 2026

After the deadline, applications will be assessed by an independent assessment committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews.

Further Information For questions regarding the position or the ACCESS project, please contact:

Associate Professor Jesper Bruun

Department of Science Education

University of Copenhagen

Email: jbruun@ind.ku.dk

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.