External Lecturer (summer) – “Public Health in the Arctic” – DIS Copenhagen

DIS Copenhagen is hiring external faculty to teach the summer course Public Health in the Arctic to highly motivated undergraduate students from North American universities who are spending 3 weeks of their summer studying in Copenhagen. The teaching position will begin in June, and the summer course is in session from Tuesday June 23 to Thursday July 9, 2026. The faculty will also plan and lead a 6-day academic study tour to Northern Norway, expectedly June 28-July 3, 2026.

Course description: This course will focus on public health and health care delivery in the Arctic. The main public health challenges and opportunities in the region will be addressed, by examining historical and current health and disease patterns and the organization of healthcare systems in the Arctic.

Through the course the students will familiarize themselves with how to deliver health care in one of the coldest, most remote, and sparsely populated regions of the world. The class will focus primarily on Arctic Scandinavia but may also include comparative insights from Greenland and the North American Arctic (Canada, Alaska). The course will take an interdisciplinary approach and draw concepts, theory and research from the fields of public health science and epidemiology.

Read more about the summer course here 

Main tasks

• Prepare and facilitate teaching and experiential learning activities in the classroom
• Evaluate, grade, and provide feedback on students’ work throughout the course
• Plan and lead a 6-day academic study tour to Northern Norway
• Plan and lead 2 academic field visits in or near Copenhagen

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.

Relevant skills and knowledge

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

• Relevant educational background (M.Sc. or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Sciences, Medicine or related areas)
• Experience from working in Arctic or sub-Arctic healthcare systems (Greenland, Scandinavian or North American Arctic)
• Relevant work experience from government institution, research institution, NGO etc. 
• Written and oral proficiency in English
• Willingness to engage academically and socially with the students
• Experience in or willingness to create a structured and interactive learning environment
• Openness to pedagogical support from DIS 
• Ability to be legally employed in Denmark (this position does not come with a work visa)

Teaching Requirements

This is a time-limited intensive teaching position. The position includes teaching on average 3 hours a day every weekday from Tuesday June 23 to Thursday July 9, 2026, as well as planning and leading a 5-day study tour to Northern Norway, expectedly June 29-July 3, 2026.

In addition, comes time spent preparing for your teaching, plus grading and feedback. The course is recurring, and there might be an opportunity to teach the course again next summer. 

The total course load is 25 hours of in-class contact hours, two 3-hour Field Studies and full participation in a 5-day study tour. 

Start Date

Training, onboarding, and course preparation will begin upon hiring. The course is in session from Tuesday June 23 to Thursday July 9, 2026.

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 going into 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 Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Please note that we may review incoming applications on a rolling basis. For further information, please contact Louise Iversen at lbi@dis.dk