Fully Funded PhD Position on Images and Justice at the University of Copenhagen (2026)

The University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a fully funded three-year PhD scholarship under the groundbreaking ERC-funded research project, Before the Image – The Political Ontology of Images for Legal and Social Justice. Hosted at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, this opportunity offers aspiring researchers the chance to explore the intersection of images, human rights, violence documentation, and visual literacy.

With a projected start date of September 1, 2026, the position is ideal for candidates interested in anthropology, sociology, psychology, human rights, ethnographic research, and digital investigations.

About the “Before the Image” Project

The Before the Image project investigates how images documenting violence, war crimes, and human rights abuses are created, interpreted, and validated. Rather than focusing solely on the moment an image is captured or viewed, the project examines the broader systems behind image production, including camera technologies, visual literacy training, and open-source investigation methods.

Funded through a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant, the project seeks to understand how people perceive truth and evidence through images, especially in legal and justice-oriented contexts.

The selected PhD candidate will work closely with project leader Nina Grønlykke Mollerup, an interdisciplinary research team, and the civil society organization Pax Memoria.

Research Focus of the PhD

The PhD researcher will examine how visual literacy, memory, training, and perceptions of truth influence the way people interpret images documenting violence and human rights violations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting ethnographic fieldwork at open-source investigation trainings
• Interviewing trainers and participants involved in image verification practices
• Studying methods such as geolocation, chronolocation, and visual verification
• Investigating how experts and non-experts interpret sensitive visual evidence
• Helping develop an interactive exhibition that explores how people understand images

The exhibition component may involve:

• Eye-tracking technologies
• Digital audience responses
• Interviews with exhibition visitors
• Experimental prompts influencing image interpretation

This role combines academic research with practical engagement and public-facing knowledge dissemination.

Why You Should Apply

This PhD position offers several exceptional benefits:

Fully Funded Scholarship

The scholarship includes:

• Competitive monthly salary starting at approximately DKK 31,200 (around EUR 4,100)
• Additional 18.07% pension contribution
• Funding for fieldwork and research stays abroad

Work at a Top European University

The University of Copenhagen is among Europe’s leading universities and part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).

Interdisciplinary and Impactful Research

Researchers will contribute to globally relevant conversations around:

• Human rights documentation
• Visual evidence
• Digital investigations
• Justice and ethics
• Media literacy

International and Inclusive Environment

The university strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and offers extensive support for international researchers and relocating families.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Human Rights
• Related fields

Strong candidates will also demonstrate:

• Experience with ethnographic methods and interviewing
• Interest in visual culture and justice
• Ability to conduct ethically sensitive research
• Excellent spoken and written English

Additional language skills and civil society experience are considered advantages.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Personal statement (maximum one page)
• CV (maximum one page)
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Preliminary project description (3–5 pages)
• Relevant academic documentation and translations where necessary

The project proposal should align with the “Before the Image” framework while contributing original ideas and methodological approaches.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is May 27, 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Interviews are expected to take place on June 22 and/or June 24, 2026, with online participation available.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the University of Copenhagen’s official recruitment portal.

APPLY HERE. 

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