211-2184/25-2H PhD fellowship in Computer Supported Cooperative Work

211-2184/25-2H PhD fellowship in Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW)

Human Centred Computing Section at the University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) in the project Novel Computer Science Teaching Methods considering Neurodiversity, Physical Computing, and Universal design in teaching. The PhD project is part of the NeuroGen Computing Research Project, financed by Novo Nordisk Foundation. Start date: February 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project

The NeuroGen Computing Research Project aims to reduce isolation, stigma, and burnout for neurodivergent computer science students and to bridge gender and neurodiversity in computing. The project will 1) design and create an infrastructure for data, knowledge and information on disability and accessibility; 2) develop, implement, and scale novel computer science teaching in the first-year computer science bachelor's program; 3) create, implement, and anchor novel bachelor's/Master thesis supervision tools supporting interaction between students and supervisors displaying diverse neurotype constellations.

The PhD project will develop, implement, and scale novel computer science teaching (e.g., programming, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking) in the first-year CS bachelor program based upon successful FemTech principles, inclusive curriculum design, and physical computing. Concretely, the project will a) develop best practices for inclusive curriculum design for CS programming courses, b) create innovative teaching modules for programming, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking based on interdisciplinary cases, inclusive curriculum design, and physical computing, and c) make recommendations and plans for long-term scaling of innovative teaching based upon inclusive curriculum design.

Responsibilities

• Develop best practices for inclusive curriculum design for CS programming courses
• Create innovative teaching modules for programming, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking based on interdisciplinary cases and inclusive curriculum design
• Make recommendations for long-term scaling of innovative teaching within an inclusive curriculum

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the fields of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), Human Computer Interaction, or Computing Education. Relevant backgrounds include computer science education, accessibility, and neurodiversity. Knowledge about how to teach programming and how to create enabling conditions for neurodiversity in the classroom would be preferred. The candidate needs excellent collaborative skills and the ability to support, design, and execute parts of the programming teaching in collaboration with the course responsible. Insights into quantitative and qualitative data collection in computer science teaching would be considered beneficial.

Our group and what we offer

The NeuroGen Computing research group will include 3 faculty, 2 PhD students, 1 postdoc, a project manager, and student support when all are hired and is situated within the HCC section. The Human-Centred Computing section aims to fundamentally understand and improve the relationship between computational technology and people. Our research focuses on using computing to support people's activities and well-being; inventing new ways for people to interact with technology, and understanding how human capabilities are influenced by technology. We are a diverse and highly collaborative group that strives to provide a welcoming, supportive, and caring environment for all. There are approximately 10-14 PhD students in the HCC section.

At DIKU, we have approximately 115 PhD students across 8 research sections, and as a PhD student at DIKU you are automatically part of the PhD communities across DIKU organized through regular PhD topic lunches with different themes. Creating an inclusive environment is critical for successful research, and creating enabling, supportive environment for our researchers is important to use. The group is a part of the Department of Computer Science, SCIENCE Faculty, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

• Principal supervisor (PI) is Professor Pernille Bjørn, Department of Computer Science, pernille.bjorn@di.ku.dk

The PhD programme

Option A: Regular PhD programme

• Three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme).
• Qualifications for the regular programme: a degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) or an equivalent. See General assessments for specific countries and the Assessment database for eligibility.
• Terms of employment: PhD fellow is full-time for up to 3 years, conditional upon enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the SCIENCE Faculty, University of Copenhagen. Terms of employment follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State, and the Protocol on Job Structure.

Option B: Integrated MSc and PhD programme

• Qualifications for the integrated programme: If you do not have a Danish master's degree, you may be eligible if you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree. Check General assessments for specific countries and the Assessment database for eligibility.
• Terms of the integrated programme: You will be enrolled as a PhD student while completing your MSc degree. The duration is up to five years, depending on how many credits you have completed in your MSc program. See SCIENCE PhD study structures for details.
• Stipend during the MSc period: a combination of state education grant portions and salary totaling 150 working hours per year. A PhD grant portion is currently (2025) DKK 7,086 before tax. After obtaining the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning portion for two years. Terms of employment and pay will follow the AC agreement. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
  • We are looking for the following qualifications: professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project; relevant publications; relevant work experience; other relevant professional activities; curious mindset with a strong interest in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in computing; good language skills.
  Application and assessment

Your application in English, including all attachments, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below. Include:

• Motivated letter of application (max one page) including reflections on diversity and expectations for collaboration with the research team, fellow PhD students, post-docs, the PI and Co-PIs
• Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project and reflections on how you would approach the project and deliverables
• Curriculum vitae including information about education, experience, language skills and other relevant skills
• Original diplomas and transcripts in original language, with an authorized English translation if issued in another language; if not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted
• Publication list (if available)
• Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline: 14 September 2025, 23:59 GMT+2. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline or not to consider applications that do not meet the stated requirements.

Further process: After the deadline, shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an unbiased expert assessor. Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. Interviews are expected in weeks 42-43, online via Zoom. For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor. General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Science is available at the PhD School's website. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Information: Application deadline 14-09-2025; Employment start 01-02-2026; Department of Computer Science; Copenhagen.

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