The Department of Design, Media and Educational Studies (Philosophy Section) invites applications for a 3-year PhD scholarship on the topic of moral and political philosophy in relation to extreme wealth. The position is part of the research project, The Morality of Extreme Wealth, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and is available from 01-02-2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project explores how moral reasons to worry about inequality and poverty are transformed when wealth becomes extreme and aims to build new theory on the morality of extreme wealth. The project aims at three significant academic contributions: (1) to explore and map out distinctive moral reasons to be concerned with extreme wealth from the perspective of distributive justice, (2) to analyse the role of individual responsibility in a theory of extreme wealth morality, and (3) to evaluate the moral obligations of the extremely wealthy in a society with existing injustices. The project is a collaboration between PI, Lasse Nielsen (SDU) and Co-PI, David V. Axelsen (University of Essex).

The hired candidate will be responsible for a PhD project under Work Package 2 (WP2) of the project focusing on the role of individual responsibility in theorizing about extreme wealth. Individual responsibility is a major theme in discussions about distributive justice as well as in moral philosophy more generally. The expectation is that the PhD project can extend on and further develop these theoretical debates by applying them to extreme wealth. The central question for WP2 is thus: What role should we give individual responsibility in a theory of extreme wealth morality?

The PhD candidate should have a background from philosophy or adjacent relevant fields. The candidate will be expected to be familiar with moral philosophy and political philosophy. Experience with philosophy of economics will be an advantage but is not a requirement. To be eligible for the position, the applicant must have obtained an MA degree in philosophy, political theory, PPE, or similar.

The candidate will be enrolled in the Humanities PhD School and affiliated with the Philosophy Section. The SDU Philosophy Section is internationally very well connected and has a strong profile in both basic research (especially epistemology, value theory, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind and phenomenology) and applied philosophy (e.g. philosophy of health, philosophy and climate change, philosophy of education and philosophy of technology). It has attracted a substantial amount of external funding in recent years and is strongly involved in interdisciplinary collaboration.

The SDU Philosophy Section is based in University of Southern Denmark Campus Odense. Odense is Denmark’s third largest city with a population of about 200.000. It is one of the oldest cities in Denmark with a rich culture and history. Odense is nicely located and well-connected to both Copenhagen and Aarhus. A train to Copenhagen is approximately 1 hour.

Contact information
For further information about the position, the Morality of Extreme Wealth project, and the SDU Philosophy Section, feel free to contact Associate Professor, Lasse Nielsen (lasseni@sdu.dk).

For questions related to CV, diplomas etc., please contact humfak-hr@sdu.dk

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Working in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as The International Staff Office at SDU.

Applicants will be expected to have a documented working level of written and spoken English.

Terms of Employment
Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position and ends automatically at the conclusion of the period. The position holder may not undertake other paid work during this period. Employment as a PhD fellow can only commence once the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne) in the state sector, including the circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the specific provisions for PhD positions described therein. Based on an individual managerial assessment, the employee may be exempt from time registration—also referred to as “self-managed working hours.”

Assessment and Evaluation Process
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an evaluation. Read more about shortlisting at SDU here: (shortlisting on SDU). Applications will be reviewed by an assessment committee, and shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the evaluation relevant to them. The committee may request additional information, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide the necessary documentation. Interviews and tests may also form part of the overall assessment.

The Application

Applicants are encouraged to read the information under “How to Apply” before submitting. To qualify for the PhD position, you must have obtained a Master’s degree by the application deadline. The evaluation will be based on the application materials, which must include:

Motivated cover letter
Special PhD application form (available here)
Curriculum vitae
Bachelor's and Master’s degrees or equivalent (copy of original + verified English translation)
A complete list of publications
Up to two of the most relevant publications (please attach a PDF for each). In cases of co-authorship, a co-author statement must be included in the PDF
References are optional. Applicants may submit a list of referees.
A description of other qualifications relevant to the position

Applications and all attachments must be in Danish, English, or one of the Scandinavian languages. Files should be in PDF format, no larger than 5 MB per file. All PDF files must be unlocked, allow merging, and must not be password protected. Documents must not contain a CPR number (Danish personal ID number)—if present, it must be redacted.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Upload your cover letter as "Cover Letter" and your CV as “CV.” All other documents should be uploaded under “Other Documents.” If the application does not meet these requirements, the faculty may reject it without further notice. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered or evaluated.

Application deadline: September 30, 2025, at 23:59 (CET/CEST)
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) wishes to reflect the surrounding society and therefore encourages all, regardless of personal background, to apply.

Read more about University of Southern Denmark: https://www.sdu.dk/en/about_sdu

🕑 | Odense M | 30-09-2025

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