Postdoc On Ecosystemic Community Support In Marginalized Young People’s Lives

Postdoctoral Position In Community Psychology

The Department of Psychology at the University of Southern Denmark (Campus Esbjerg) invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral position in a research team that focuses on developing local ecosystemic resilience and cultural resources in supporting marginalized children and young people's lives. The expected starting date is March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Based on existing knowledge on multi-actor collaboration, networking and bridging, the applicant will conduct ecosystemic analysis and initiate interventions, measure synthesis, dead-ends and resistance and, in comparison with other initiatives, take steps towards a methodology of community-based collaboration that fits the Danish municipality where a high level of public institutionalization and intervention in marginalized young people's lives is a premise. The concrete activities on which to collaborate are open to being decided by the applicant, the young people in question and the networks.

In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will have teaching responsibilities in the newly established BA program in psychology.

Your qualifications

• A PhD in psychology or a related field.
• Knowledge of community psychological research with a focus on ecosystemic interventions and collaboration.
• Experience with literature reviews and qualitative methods.
• Ability to work independently, think analytically, and approach tasks systematically while maintaining a clear focus on objectives.
• Commitment to foster collaboration and innovation with local public institutions and other stakeholders (e.g. PPR, schools, youth clubs, public administration, NGOs, sports and cultural associations, churches …)
• Adaptability and ability to communicate in a constructive and respectful manner.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Establish contact and conduct longitudinal dialogically based analysis, initiate tests and support improvements of collaboration between the young people, the central stakeholders and actor groups in the community.
• Evaluate interventions for target groups as well as the groups of actors.
• Collaborate closely with the research team to advance concepts and sustainable methodologies of networking and bridging.
• Support the development of a research environment in community psychology.
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications and public outreach.
• Teach talented psychology students (BA program).

We offer

• A dynamic and supportive research environment.
• The opportunity to engage in groundbreaking intervention research and contribute to impactful work in community psychology.
• Opportunities for professional development, time and support to develop grant applications and access to an established network within the research field.
• The possibility to contribute to building a strong research community and a high-quality educational program.

We recognize that relocating to a new country or city can be challenging. As a team, we are committed to supporting a smooth transition and to ensuring that you feel welcome both within the department and in the community.

Contact information

For further details about the position, please contact associate professor Pernille Hviid, phviid@health.sdu.dk

Application deadline

November 2, 2025, at 23:59 hrs. CET

Salary

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

Application

Applications must be in English and submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format.

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

The application must include (as PDF files):

• A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages)
• A detailed CV, including personal contact information
• A complete and numbered list of publications
• Degree certificates (including documentation of master’s and PhD degree)
• Up to 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position
• A teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• A research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work

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

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

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

Applications may be shortlisted. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an expert committee.

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. Read about working in Denmark (Danish rules and guidelines) here.

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