External Lecturer – Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety – DIS Copenhagen

DIS is currently hiring one external faculty to teach the Core Course "Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety" to highly motivated undergraduate students from North American universities who are spending a semester studying in Copenhagen. The teaching position is initially for the fall semester, which will begin in August, and can be extended depending on student demand. The course meets at DIS Copenhagen Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 – 09:50 and it includes two academic tours.

Course description

Fear and anxiety are related, multifaceted terms that can be explained anatomically, biologically, and psychologically. This course begins by exploring the differences and similarities between these two related experiences while illustrating their causes and effects on an anatomical and functional level. From here, we will explore the physiological, psychological, and evolutionary aspects underpinning them. Several theories and concepts behind unconsciousness, perception, and emotion are introduced in order to facilitate discussions covering fear and anxiety in everyday life, as well as their roles as a components of dysfunctional behaviors. 

Read more about the course here 

Why teach at DIS?  

• Work in an international, informal and enthusiastic environment with an emphasis on cross-cultural understanding, teamwork, innovation, and adaptability
• Develop interactive and experiential teaching skills and teaching experience in English
• Impact American students/upcoming professionals by sharing Scandinavian heritage and best practices
• Expand professional networks in Scandinavia and in the U.S.

Tasks

• Prepare and facilitate teaching and experiential learning activities 
• Evaluate, grade, and provide feedback on students’ work throughout the semester
• Total course load is 18 lectures (80 minutes each) and 2 Field Studies per semester
• As part of the course, the students have two academic weeks that which focus on their course alone:
  • One Core Course Week, where they travel for 3 days in Western Denmark (Short Study Tour), and have the remaining 2 days in Copenhagen with some activities related to the course (including one of the Field Studies)
  • One Long Study Tour (6 days long, in another European country)
  • Both tours are together with their teacher and a DIS tour leader

Relevant skills and knowledge

The ideal candidate has experience on some of the course topics and is well-versed in the field both academically and practically. In addition, you have:

• Relevant educational background (cand.scient, humanbiolog, cand.med, etc.)
• Practical experience from research, biotech/pharma, etc.
• Experience with teaching is an advantage but not a requirement
• Excellent academic English
• Willingness to engage academically and socially with the students
• Openness to pedagogical support from DIS 
• Ability to translate DIS’ interactive, hands on teaching philosophy into practice

This is a course that has been offered as an elective (without the Study Tours) and therefore there is considerable material that will be made available for whomever teaches this course.  

As this is a part-time teaching position, faculty are able to continue other work while teaching.

Start Date

Training, onboarding, and course preparation will begin upon hiring. Teaching begins Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Teaching at DIS

Teaching at DIS requires creativity and flexibility. Faculty prioritize bringing course material to life through interactive and experiential learning, and are communicative and engaged with their students. In addition, teaching at DIS involves leading student Field Studies in the Copenhagen region, student assessment, grading, and feedback.

Students are typically in their third year of university. Courses are all taught in English.

Pedagogical support, training, and mentorship is available at DIS through the Learning Lab and experienced faculty; faculty are encouraged to collaborate with academic support staff in various professional development opportunities.

DIS Work Values & Styles

• Cross-cultural learning
• Independence and initiative
• Communication
• Creativity in the classroom
• Professional development and relationship-building 
• Friendly work environment
• High-quality support & resources for faculty 
• Collaborative co-working spaces and environment

Application Process

Please submit your CV and application letter in English as soon as possible and no later than March 23, 2025. For further information, please contact Susana Dietrich at sd@dis.dk or +45 3067 1042.