The Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology (ExE), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, invites applications for a position as postdoc in childhood health. The position is part-time, corresponding to 20% of full-time employment, and is to be filled as of 1 August 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, till 31 July 2028. The position will be based at the Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology (ExE), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark (SDU).

The position

The successful candidate will contribute to research on childhood health based on data from epidemiological observational studies and experimental studies conducted by or in collaboration with the ExE unit. The main responsibilities will be to conduct quantitative analyses of data and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through scientific publications. 

The postdoc will be expected to take an active role in developing and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, including statistical analyses, interpretation of results and drafting and revising scientific papers. In addition, the postdoc will contribute to the development of applications for future research projects and external funding. The position may also include tasks related to supporting ongoing research activities in the unit. These tasks may include research administrative support to ensure progress in ongoing studies.

For information on postdoc positions at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics in general, please click.

Qualifications

The position is particularly relevant for a candidate with strong quantitative skills and an interest in research on child and adolescent health.

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• A PhD degree within health sciences, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, human movement science or a related field
• Research experience related to child health, public health or epidemiology 
• Documented research output in peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Strong competencies in quantitative research methods and statistical analyses
• Experience with analysis of data from observational and/or experimental studies
• Experience with scientific writing and publication processes
• Ability to work independently and contribute constructively to collaborative research projects
• Interest in contributing to the development of applications for future research projects
• Experience with research coordination, data management or research administrative tasks will be considered an advantage

About us

The Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology conducts research to investigate how health behaviours and related exposures, including physical activity, sleep, digital media use, and other determinants of health, are associated with physical and mental health across the life course, with a particular emphasis on children and young people. 

The unit contributes to epidemiological observational studies, experimental studies, intervention studies and methodological research. 

The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics adheres to  SDU’s strategy and values Our department is  recognized for our interdisciplinary research.  The scientific, technical and administrative staff support this through active participation in the department's professional and social life. We prefer candidates with the ambition to make mutual working relationships thrive. Find our strategy and values here. 

Further information and contact

Non-Danish-speaking applicants will be expected to have or show an interest in learning the Danish language at a level that enables them to read Danish emails and administrative documents and to understand spoken everyday Danish. 

For further information, please contact Professor Anders Grøntved, Head of the Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology, telephone +45 6550 4465, e-mail agroentved@health.sdu.dk, or Professor Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, telephone +45 6550 3493, e-mail jtroelsen@health.sdu.dk.

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

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. (no more than 4 years at the same university)

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser.

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. 

The application

Applicants are encouraged to read the information "How to apply" before applying. 

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

• Master’s degree and PhD degree or equivalent (copy of original)

• A complete list of publications

• Up to 3 of the most relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication.

• Reference letters/references may also be included 

• A statement of other qualifications relevant to the position

The application and all appendices must be in English. We request files in pdf-format no more than 5 MB per file. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.

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 application deadline is 25 May at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)

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.