Do you want to develop Danish research on cybercrime and contribute to the future of crime prevention? Do you want to be part of a rapidly developing criminological field in Denmark?
The Department of Society and Politics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, invites applications for one or more 3-year fully funded PhD positions in criminology with a focus on cybercrime.
The positions are part of a strategic effort to strengthen criminological research in Denmark. The starting date is September 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Your work tasks

•    Develop and carry out an independent research project under supervision
•    Participate in the department’s research environment
•    Complete a PhD training programme
•    Teach at one or more of the department programmes

Your main task as a PhD student will be to develop and complete a PhD thesis that meets international research standards within the relevant field. In close collaboration with your main supervisor, you will further develop and refine your research project. You are expected to actively engage with the department’s research environment and participate in relevant national and international research networks. As part of the PhD programme, you will complete PhD courses within topics relevant to your project. The programme also includes a mandatory requirement to gain experience in teaching and/or other forms of research dissemination and knowledge exchange.

As part of the application, you must submit a project description (maximum five pages, 19,200 characters including spaces and references). The description should outline the research questions, theoretical considerations, methodological approach, relevant literature, and a proposed timeline.
The project should address cybercrime (cyber-enabled or cyber-dependent). This may involve one or more of the topics listed below, but may also address other topics relevant to the subject area:

• Victimization and offending
• Hybridization of crime
• Illicit online markets

The research project may address national or international challenges and should employ appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods. The project should demonstrate clear potential to generate internationally recognised research, produce publications in leading journals, and attract future research funding. Senior researchers will actively support access to Danish data sources (e.g., registry data, surveys, and organisations).

Your competencies

The ideal candidate holds a degree in criminology or a related field. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in data collection and analysis. We value a collaborative work environment that fosters both academic engagement and social interaction among colleagues.

Who we are    

Department of Society and Politics [SOCIETY] provides an ambitious academic environment, bringing together a range of strong research disciplines from the social sciences. Our scholars pursue research excellence at the highest international level while remaining committed to generating knowledge that informs policy, improves practice, and creates societal impact. We are the only institution in Denmark to educate criminologists at the master's level.

We offer

• A supportive and collegial research environment
• A teaching environment with room for innovation
• A strategic focus on cybercrime research
• Work-life balance in a high-quality living environment
• Strong support for career development
• Support from senior researchers in accessing Danish data sources

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades) 
• Project description (minimum 5 pages). Read more about the project description
• Applicants WHO are planning to complete a doctoral thesis in English and who do not have English as a first language or WHO have not completed an English language-based Master's programme (or an equivalent educational achievement in English) shall provide documentation that they have passed one of the following official tests with the respective minimum score: IELTS (band score): 7, TOEFL (paper-based): 600, TOEFL (internet-based): 100. The language test must be no more than five years old at the time of the application. Read more on how to document your English qualifications.
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) 

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Associate Professor: Rasmus Munksgaard: +4599407368, ramuan@society.aau.dk
• HR Lotte Hassing: +4599407927, hr@society.aau.dk

Employment type

Full time

Ref number

2026/917

Deadline

09.08.2026