Postdoc in Addiction Research // Job

Postdoc in Addiction Research

The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, invites applications for a position as postdoc within the research areas of alcohol use disorders, older adults, psychometrics, epidemiology, and clinical psychology.

The Department of Psychology is a vibrant, inclusive workplace hosting an engaged group of faculty, postdocs and PhD students. The department has close collaborations with the Odense University Hospital and its research covers a wide range of health-related topics and methodologies.

The position and the project

The full-time postdoc position is for 31 months, starting on November 1^st, 2026 or soon thereafter. The focus of the position is on the psychometric evaluation of assessment instruments for at-risk alcohol use in adults aged 60-80 years and on a longitudinal epidemiological study with said age group.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a strong track record in peer-reviewed publications as well as in quantitative analysis, preferably within either psychometrics and/or epidemiology. The candidate should have a strong and documented interest in the areas addiction research, clinical psychology, quantitative methods, and assessment and etiology of substance use disorders. The candidate should have experience with project organization.

The successful candidate will work on the project “Understanding older adults’ risky alcohol use to inform targeted preventive interventions and strategies” funded by TrygFonden, Denmark. The successful candidate will join a research group with an expertise in addiction research, clinical psychology, and epidemiology, led in collaboration by Associate Professor Silke Behrendt (Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark) and Professor Kristine Rømer Thomsen (Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University). The primary place of work will be the Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Required qualifications

PhD in clinical psychology, epidemiology, public health, psychiatry or a connected field
Excellent research track record, including at least three first-authored peer-reviewed publications relevant to the project and position

· Demonstrated proficiency in advanced statistical analysis

Strong writing and organizational skills
Willingness to collaborate with internal and external collaborators as well as support the project’s research group members
Interest in teaching
Proficiency in spoken and written English

We offer

An exciting job
The possibility to engage in high-impact research
A dynamic, diverse and international research environment that values collaboration among colleagues
An initial contract for 31 months
Advanced professional training opportunities
Possibility of participation in international conferences
For international candidates, support with practical, and social aspects (e.g., housing, researcher taxation etc.) through our international staff office (ISO)
https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff
For the right candidate, there will be possibilities to influence the project and develop new project ideas within the project frame

Further information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Silke Behrendt sbehrendt@health.sdu.dk , phone 0045-93507195 or Professor Kristine Rømer Thomsen krt.crf@psy.au.dk

Your place of work will be at the Department of Psychology, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.

Application deadline and interviews

04/12/2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CET/CEST).

We expect to conduct interviews on 05/27-05/29/2026.

Terms of employment

· Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

· Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

· The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).

· Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the wage rates for staff at SDU.

· Additional supplement(s) can be negotiated depending on experience, special qualifications and performance of special functions.

· Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.

· Travel and moving expenses may be covered according to the employee in question and, to a limited extent, the accompanying family.

· Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

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.

Your application must include the following as PDF files:

Please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total).

· A motivation letter. Please also include contact information for two senior academics who may be contacted for further information about your profile

· A detailed CV

· Degree certificates (including Ph.D.-diploma)

· A complete and numbered list of publications

· Up to 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 detailed description of research experience

· An explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position

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

Incomplete applications regarding the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted

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

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

International applicant?

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.

About SDU

SDU creates value for and with society and shapes the future through high quality, talented people and outstanding environments.

The University of Southern Denmark is a world-class university driven by an ambition to promote research results that develop society. The major challenges of the 21st century are complex and multifaceted; sustainable change and solutions require new – often interdisciplinary – research-based knowledge, and the University of Southern Denmark is an indispensable stakeholder in the transition process.

Value, quality, talented people and outstanding environments are pivotal for the University of Southern Denmark’s strategic initiatives.