Associate Professor in Public Health: Children and Young People

The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking an Associate Professor in Public Health. The role focuses on interdisciplinary, qualitative studies regarding the health and well-being of children and young people. The position is based in Copenhagen and is anchored in the Health Promotion and Interventions research group.

Main Tasks

• Conduct research on children’s and young people’s health, well-being, and everyday life, including the impact of digital media.
• Perform health promotion and implementation research in daycare institutions, schools, and upper secondary education.
• Lead interdisciplinary, practice-oriented research and development projects, including process evaluations.
• Utilize advanced qualitative methods such as ethnography, interviews, focus groups, and child-centered approaches.
• Provide teaching and supervision at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, specifically in qualitative methods and implementation.
• Prepare applications for external funding and manage/coordinate projects.\n- Contribute to the development of the research environment and method development.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in Public Health, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Documented experience in research on children’s and young people’s health.
• Strong profile and experience in qualitative research methods.
• Experience with intervention and implementation research.
• Experience in national and international research collaborations and collaborating with practitioners.
• Documented teaching experience at the university level and experience supervising students.
• Documented experience with scientific publications in relevant research areas.
• High proficiency in both Danish and English (oral and written).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with students, colleagues, and external partners.

Work Conditions and Benefits

• Fixed-term contract for three years, starting April 15, 2027.
• Full-time position.
• Opportunity to work in an inspiring research environment with diverse colleagues.
• Potential for exemption from time registration (self-organiser status) based on individual assessment.
• Employment follows the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state.