Postdoc in epidemiology and women’s mental health during perimenopause

A position as postdoc (100% time) is vacant at the Research Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , the Department of Clinical Research , Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Southern Denmark . The position is limited to three years. The starting date is 01 February 2027 or later by agreement and depending on the candidate’s preferences.

We are seeking a researcher with documented experience in epidemiological research who can independently plan studies, conduct analyses and write scientific papers. We are looking for a future colleague with a clear academic interest in women’s mental health and the motivation to develop their research in this field. Experience in psychiatric epidemiology is a distinct advantage.

The project

The position is funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust through PROMIS, an international research project on women’s mental health during perimenopause. The project is in its initial phase and will draw on cohort data linked to national registers, in collaboration with researchers in the UK, the USA and Sweden.

The project investigates risk factors for the onset or recurrence of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders during perimenopause. The work includes epidemiological studies of risk, the development and validation of prediction models, and studies of hormone therapy and mental health outcomes using target trial emulation.

Research tasks

The postdoc will work closely with Principal Investigator Professor Trine Munk-Olsen and the project’s data analyst and participate actively in the international research collaboration. The candidate will have considerable scope to shape research questions, the structure of individual studies, study designs and methodological choices within the framework of the project.

The main tasks are to:

- Plan and conduct epidemiological studies using register and cohort data, including preparing study protocols and analysis plans.

- Independently perform statistical analyses, interpret results and write scientific papers.

- Identify risk factors for mental disorders during perimenopause and contribute to the development and validation of prediction models.

- Contribute to studies using target trial emulation to investigate hormone therapy and mental health outcomes.

- Together with other project team members, contribute to applications for access to external datasets and to the maintenance, quality assurance, harmonisation and documentation of the datasets used.

- Participate in subprojects and undertake tasks within the international collaboration, including coordination, organising project meetings and following up on joint agreements.

The position will involve limited travel. It is primarily research-oriented. Teaching and supervision duties may be included, depending also on the candidate’s interests and preferences.

Expectations of qualifications

The applicant who is hired must have a Ph.D. degree in epidemiology, health sciences, biostatistics or data science with a strong focus on health. Candidates who have not yet completed their Ph.D. may apply if they expect to obtain the degree by the starting date. However, we envisage that, in addition to their Ph.D., the candidate will have at least 1–2 years of research-related experience, for example as a postdoc, research assistant or statistician.

The applicant must have the following qualifications:

- A clear academic interest in research on women’s mental health, including the relationships between reproductive life stages and mental disorders.

- First authorship of several scientific papers, including documented experience in epidemiological research based on register or cohort data.

- Documented experience with advanced epidemiological and statistical methods.

- Documented experience and competence in statistical programming, for example in R or Stata.

- A documented ability to independently plan studies, prepare study protocols, conduct analyses and write scientific papers.

- Good collaboration skills and the ability to take responsibility for tasks and contribute constructively to joint research projects.

- The ability to work systematically with data quality, documentation and the maintenance of research data.

- Fluency in written and spoken English.

The following would be an advantage but are not requirements:

- Experience in psychiatric epidemiology.

- Experience in the development or validation of prediction models.

- Practical experience with target trial emulation.

- Experience in international research collaborations.

- Written and spoken Danish, as Danish is the working language of the research unit.

Research environment

The position is based in the Research Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a growing, dynamic and collaborative research environment at the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark. Our research group brings together expertise in psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology and public health. We offer a friendly, inclusive and interdisciplinary working environment where early-career researchers are supported in developing their academic and professional skills. The unit leads several major research projects focusing on perinatal mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, and early intervention and prevention.

Research strategy for OUH and the Department of Clinical Research

The joint research strategy for the Department of Clinical Research and Odense University Hospital sets the direction for our shared research efforts in the years ahead. Rooted in the vision –We conduct research together to shape the patient care of the future – it focuses in particular on: cross-disciplinary research – with people at the centre; strong research environments – as drivers of development; and the research journey – from idea to impact. Further information on the joint research strategy of the Department of Clinical Research and Odense University Hospital is available here.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor Trine Munk-Olsen, e-mail: [email protected] , phone: +45 24 46 62 97.

Application deadline

November 18, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CET).

Interviews

Interviews are expected to take place in early December 2026.

Salary and terms of employment

The applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The position as Postdoc is placed within salary steps 4–8 of the Danish state salary scale, depending on seniority. In addition, a centrally agreed postdoc allowance is paid, and further qualification- and function-related allowances may be negotiated.

The work location will be at Hospitalsringen 90, 5260 Odense S.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “ Apply now ” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

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

- a detailed CV

- degree certificates (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma)

- a complete and numbered list of publications

- 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please note that a copy of each publication must be attached as a pdf file.

It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.

- a teaching portfolio (https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/fakulteterne/sundhedsvidenskab/jobs/portfolio) detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy

- a detailed description of research experience

- an explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position

For technical issues, please contact: [email protected]

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.

References will be obtained for the preferred candidate from their current and previous employers. Applicants invited for interview should expect to complete a work-related personality assessment.

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.

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