Postdoc position for systems-oriented intervention research

The National Institute of Public Health at University (NIPH) of Southern Denmark (SDU) seeks applicants for a three-year post doc position with the possibility of extension (starting as soon as possible), to work on a systems-oriented program of research. NIPH is situated in central Copenhagen. 

A new research-practice partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people
In the beginning of 2025, the Institute has joined a partnership with several other organisations. The partnership aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in two municipalities while producing research that contributes to the international literature on systems-oriented approaches to public health intervention research. 

About the postdoc position
We envision a candidate with strong methodological skills, who thrives in collaborative research-practice partnerships and is passionate about advancing research in systems-oriented research.  
The specific role of the post doc will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and interests and how the partnership unfolds in relation to the division of tasks and responsibilities between the different partners. 

The post doc will be part of a core research team along with a Senior Researcher at NIPH and researchers from other research institutions. The core research team will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and coordination and conduct of the project and research activities in the municipalities. The core research team will collaborate closely with practice partners, and be supported by established senior researchers and research leaders across the involved research institutions 

The post doc is expected to engage in a close collaboration with the other partners and contribute to project development, grant writing, data collection and analysis, as well as publications and outreach activities. The post doc will be daily project manager and responsible for conduct and progress of NIPH’s research activities in one of the municipalities. To promote genuine collaboration between research and practice, the post doc is expected to have regular workdays and visits in the selected municipality. 
The post doc is expected to further develop his/her own research profile within the institute, amongst other things via fundraising and scientific publication. In addition, there will be opportunities to contribute more generally to the institutional tasks within research, teaching and supervision. 

When evaluating applications, the following qualifications are expected:
•    A PhD degree within a relevant field (public health, social sciences, humanities or other related fields)
•    Familiarity with and a strong interest in systems-oriented public health research
•    Strong methodological skills in either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods
•    Experience with evaluation methods is an advantage
•    Experience in project management is an advantage
•    Experience with and interest in close collaboration with practice partners
•    Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English. Danish language skills is an advantage due to the close collaboration with Danish municipalities, but not required initially.

We offer:
•    A great opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking partnership project and advance system-oriented research 
•    A highly motivated research team
•    Contact to both research and practice stakeholders, and international collaborators 
•    Excellent career growth opportunities
•    A high level of autonomy in your research tasks
•    A vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and good colleagues (see below)

Research environment
We offer an exciting job in an inspiring, strong, interdisciplinary research environment located in the heart of Copenhagen, with passionate and ambitious colleagues. We are approx. 170 employees from several different research fields, including public health science, anthropology, sociology, sports science, philosophy, and epidemiology. We have good opportunities for socializing, such as a lunch program, Friday cafes and cultural events. 

The candidate will be affiliated with the research group ’Health Promotion and Interventions’ and will also collaborate with researchers from other research groups at NIPH. The members of the research group ’Health Promotion and Interventions’ conduct research and teaching activities within development, testing, implementation and evaluation of public health interventions as well as methodological and theoretical research in design and evaluation of intervention and implementation studies. The group consists of approx. 15 employees of different scientific background. 

The candidate will also be part of Centre for Intervention Research which offers great opportunities for sparring and scientific discussions of practical, methodological and theoretical aspects of intervention and implementation studies, capacity building, and collaboration across projects and research groups.

Working place: Copenhagen with regular working days and visits in a Danish municipality.

Further Information and contact
Rikke Fredenslund Krølner, Senior Researcher, head of Centre for Intervention Research, phone: +45 65507841, email: [email protected] or Morten Hulvej Rod, Director of NIPH Phone: +45 65507700, email: [email protected].  

Application deadline
February 14th, 2025, at 23.59 hrs. CEST

Appointment
Appointment to the position requires a PhD or equivalent and will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

Application
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now".
The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):
•    A motivation letter, stating the interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project. Please, state clearly your experiences and interests in relation to systems-oriented approaches to public health research
•    A detailed CV including contact details
•    Degree certificates (PhD degree and Master’s degree in a relevant field)
•    A complete and numbered list of publications
•    3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the applicant to be the most important for this position. Please notice that one pdf.- or docx.-file must be attached for each publication 
•    A teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy 
•    A research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work. 
•    References (if possible)

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected]. 

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor assessed. Applications will be assessed by an expert committee and may be shortlisted. 
Suitable candidates will be invited for a personal interview after the application deadline.
Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university. 

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. 
The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family.

Further details
We expect to conduct job interviews on the 26th of February 2025.