A position as postdoc in the Human Health Research Group at the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), is available for a period of two years from 15. September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is based in Copenhagen.

About the research area and strategic focus

The Human Health Research Group works at the intersection of public health, philosophy, and qualitative research, with a focus on how social, cultural, and structural conditions shape health, wellbeing, and access to care: Find research

As part of strengthening the group’s research profile, we are establishing a mental health help-Seeking research Lab, which aims to connect existing and future projects across the group. The lab will focus on understanding and reducing social and structural barriers to help-seeking for mental health problems in a broad sense, and on developing new interdisciplinary approaches to intervention and research methodology.

This postdoc position will play a key role in shaping and developing the lab, with a particular focus on arts and culture as pathways to health, wellbeing, and help-seeking across diverse populations.

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher with strong interdisciplinary competencies and experience in qualitative and/or ethnographic methods.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the Help-Seeking Research Lab and conduct research that bridges arts, culture, and health with the study of help-seeking practices and barriers. The position includes both Danish and international research activities, as well as contributions to teaching, supervision, and capacity building among students and professionals.

Main responsibilities

Your primary tasks will include:

• Conducting and publishing high-quality research at the intersection of arts, culture and mental health and wellbeing
• Designing and carrying out qualitative and/or ethnographic and interdisciplinary studies
• Contributing to the development and conceptualization of the help-seeking research lab
• Connecting ongoing and new research projects within the research group through shared theoretical and methodological approaches
• Disseminating research findings in scientific publications, reports, and public and professional settings
• Participating in and expanding national and international research collaborations and networks
• Contributing to teaching, supervision, and training activities
• Contributing to grant applications and the development of future research initiatives

Qualifications

We expect that you:

• Hold a PhD in public health, anthropology, sociology, humanities, or a related field
• Have documented experience with qualitative and/or ethnographic research methods
• Have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration
• Have experience with or a strong interest in arts, culture, and health
• Preferably have research experience within the field, including relevant publications
• Preferably have national and/or international networks within arts, culture, and health
• Have an interest in linking arts and health research to the study of help-seeking and barriers to mental healthcare
• Can work independently and contribute actively to a shared research environment
• Have excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Danish or another Scandinavian language is an advantage

We offer

We offer an inspiring and interdisciplinary research environment at the National Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen, where you will be part of a dynamic research group with strong national and international collaborations.

You will play a central role in shaping a new help-seeking research lab, with opportunities to contribute to an emerging research agenda with significant societal relevance, as well as to develop your academic profile.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Professor Anna Paldam Folker

Email: anpf@sdu.dk

Application deadline

27. July 2026 kl. 23.59 (CET/CEST).

Read more about us:

https://dk.linkedin.com/company/statens-institut-for-folkesundhed

National Institute of Public Health

Appointment Order:

Ansættelsesbekendtgørelse /Danish Executive Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities

The assessment and evaluation process

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee, and the shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns them. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicants to provide the necessary material.

Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Application, salary etc.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation

To qualify for the position as postdoc you must have obtained a PhD degree by the employment date.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum vitae including information on previous employment with start and end dates
• Master’s degree and PhD degree or equivalent (copy of original + verified English translation) if Phd diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor
• A complete list of publications
• A statement of other qualifications relevant to the position
• List of references and/or letters of recommendation, if applicable.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link " Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

If the application does not meet the requirements mentioned above, the faculty may reject your application without further notice. Applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.