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 September 15, 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.
As part of strengthening the group’s research profile, Statens Institut For Folkesundhed is 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
Statens Institut For Folkesundhed is 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
- 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
- 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.
Statens Institut For Folkesundhed offers
Statens Institut For Folkesundhed offers 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
The application deadline is July 27, 2026, at 23:59 (CET/CEST).
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 a PhD diploma has not yet been received, please include a 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.
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.
