PhD Scholarship in Humanities

Project Overview

Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship in the FINFLUENCE project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Sapere Aude Research Leader program) and led by Associate Professor Jacob Ørmen.

The project examines how young adults navigate new actors in the financial space—ranging from influencers and digital platforms to online communities. In recent years, trading with financial assets such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, and derivatives has become widely accessible via digital trading apps. Young adults have increasingly engaged in independent investing, influenced by online communities and popular influencers. The FINFLUENCE project seeks to understand how these new actors appeal to young investors in comparison to traditional opinion leaders such as family, friends, celebrities, and financial experts.

The PhD candidate will conduct an in-depth qualitative study of individuals, focusing on their economic and financial practices, social relations, and media use. The research will be carried out under the supervision of Jacob Ørmen and the support of the FINFLUENCE research group.

Scholarship Details

• Duration: 3 years

• Enrollment: PhD School, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen

• PhD studies include independent research culminating in a defended PhD thesis (180 ECTS credits, full-time study).

• The scholarship includes a salary starting at DKK 30,800 (EUR 4,100) per month plus 17.1% pension contribution.

• Additional work obligation: up to 840 working hours (≈6 months) on departmental tasks, including teaching.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.

• Have documented experience in qualitative fieldwork, interviewing, or qualitative analysis.

• Possess high-level academic English proficiency.

• Be fluent in Danish for conducting fieldwork and data analysis.

Foreign degrees will be assessed by the Danish Research Agency. Applicants must provide translations of diplomas and transcripts if not issued in English or a Scandinavian language.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online in English and include:

1. Cover letter (max. 1 page, detailing motivation and background for the project)

2. CV (max. 2 pages)

3. Project description (max. 12,000 characters, excluding bibliography; include methodology, theoretical framework, sample, data collection, and analysis)

4. Project abstract (max. 1,200 characters)

5. Diploma and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

6. Time schedule (project milestones across three years)

7. Additional materials (e.g., publications, English language documentation)

For detailed instructions on required documents, see: PhD School Application Guidelines.

Project outline is available from Associate Professor Jacob Ørmen at jacob.oermen@hum.ku.dk.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Research qualifications and project description quality

• Feasibility of the project

• Fieldwork, interviewing, and qualitative analysis experience

• Academic performance in graduate and postgraduate studies

Recruitment Process

• Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an expert committee.

• Candidates may comment on the committee’s assessment before the final appointment.

• Security screening may be conducted for international research collaboration.

Further details: University of Copenhagen Recruitment Process

Enrollment Requirement

Successful applicants must enroll at the PhD School, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen.

Equal Opportunity & International Applicants

The University of Copenhagen values diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. International researchers and families are supported with relocation assistance and career counselling.

Further information: International Services at UCPH

Contact Information

• PhD Administration: phd@hrsc.ku.dk

• HR Centre South: HR-Soendre@hrsc.ku.dk, case number: 211-2255/25-2H #2

Apply Online: [Apply Now]
Deadline: 19 October 2025 at 23:59 CEST

The University of Copenhagen is part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) and promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com