Global Mental Health Researcher

DIGNITY is looking for a Global Mental Health Researcher to join our International Programmes Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, early-career researcher, who wants to generate new and impactful knowledge, strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programming, and contribute to better outcomes for people affected by torture and other forms of violence and adversity.

DIGNITY is an international human rights and development organization with a significant research capacity that works to prevent torture and violence, rehabilitate survivors, and enable justice and accountability. Our International Programmes Department works closely with local civil society partners, researchers and public institutions in countries affected by conflict, violence and political repression. Research plays a central role in our work by fostering innovation and critical reflection and generating evidence that strengthens programmes, informs policy and contributes to improved practice and impact.

As Global Mental Health Researcher, you will join our newly established International Research and Learning Unit together with an interdisciplinary team of senior researchers and monitoring and evaluation experts and analysts. Your tasks will be i) to contribute to developing DIGNITY’s international research agenda on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and ii) to offer technical advice to our rehabilitation programmes. You will be working with DIGNITY’s senior researchers, project managers and technical experts and collaborate closely with our partners in Asia, Africa, MENA and Eastern Europe. As an early-career researcher, we expect you to take on and develop the following tasks and responsibilities with a strong commitment to learn and grow as a researcher and advisor at DIGNITY.

1. To develop and conduct MHPSS research with guidance from DIGNITY Senior Researchers
2. To support ongoing research in collaboration with DIGNITY’s Senior Researchers
3. To offer advise on development and evaluation of DIGNITY’s MHPSS projects and programming in low- and middle-income countries

Specific tasks include:

• To develop and conduct research projects and contribute to the formulation of grant applications focused on mental health and well-being of populations affected by violence and other forms of adversity, in line with DIGNITY’s strategy and mandate
• To support ongoing research through qualitative and quantitative data analysis, coauthoring manuscripts and reports, and collaboration on grant applications
• To contribute to the strengthening of DIGNITY’s MHPSS research agenda, networks and profile
• To produce peer reviewed publications and other impactful research outputs
• To provide technical advising for MHPSS projects
• To contribute to the capacity building to partners and public authorities in DIGNITY programme contexts
• To provide programmatic input to project documents, funding applications, policy and advocacy

You hold a PhD in Psychology, Public Health or another relevant interdisciplinary field.

In addition, we expect that you have:

• Competencies and experiences in applied research
• Abilities and interest in to translating technical expertise into actionable knowledge for non-experts
• Familiarity with evidence-based manualized MHPSS(e.g. PM+)
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Basic understanding of project management methodologies and tools
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Good collaboration and communication skills and strong commitments to work in teams and to co-produce knowledge and learning
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Experiences with and/or strong interests in trauma-informed approaches to vulnerable and at-risk populations
• Experiences with and/or strong interests in intersectional, decolonial, rights-based and/or survivor-centred approaches an advantage
• Proficiency in Arabic, French, Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage

• A meaningful research position in an internationally recognised human rights and development organisation.
• An opportunity to contribute to globally relevant research that improves the lives of torture survivors and other populations affected by violence.
• A collaborative and highly professional international research environment.
• Close collaboration with experienced researchers, programme colleagues and local partners across multiple countries.
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• Opportunities for international collaboration, learning and professional development.

The position is permanent and based in DIGNITY’s International Programmes Department in the International Research and Learning Unit with reference to the Head of International Research and Learning.

Your place of employment is Copenhagen at our HQ at Bryggervangen 55, 2100 Copenhagen Ø.

We expect you to have a civil registry address in Denmark during the full employment.

Expected entry is 1 February 2027.

Your working hours are 37 hours per week, with the expectation that additional work may take place. It will be possible to take time off after having additional working hours within our flexible work schedule.

The position includes approximately 40 days of international travel annually.

Salary and terms of employment will follow the applicable Danish collective agreement and will be based on qualifications and relevant experience. The salary level is based on skills and relevant experience and within a range of DKK 42.-47.000 (gross, monthly) + pension (18.07%).

Further information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting Head of International Research and Learning Tomas Max Martin at [email protected].

The position will be filled following an academic assessment. As part of the hiring process, the shortlisted candidates’ research qualifications will be assessed with focus on research publications, grants, academic paper presentations, convening of panels, academic networks, research dissemination and communication, real-world and policy impact.

An application consisting of:

• A CV
• a motivational letter
• documentation of completed PhD degree
• a complete publication list
• three selected peer reviewed articles (for co-authored publications, applicants should briefly describe their own contribution to each of the three selected publications), and
• a short academic portfolio (maximum three pages) describing the applicant's contribution to selected research projects and publications, methodological expertise, experience with research funding, international research collaboration and networks, research dissemination, teaching experience and examples of contributions to policy, practice or programming (with links to documents where appropriate).

should be submitted via the link no later than 25 October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be assessed in the first half of November, and all applicants will be notified whether their application has been accepted for assessment.

We expect to hold the first round of interviews in November 2026 (week 48) and the second round of interviews end of November/start December 2026 (week 49), and both will take place in Copenhagen.

You can read about DIGNITY's processing of your personal data in our privacy policy, which you can find here: Privacy policy - DIGNITY - Danish Institute Against Torture.

DIGNITY is an international human rights and development organisation that has worked for a world free of torture and violence since 1982. We prevent torture and violence, treat traumatized victims and document serious human rights violations so that those responsible can be prosecuted. You can read more about our organisation and work at www.dignity.dk. DIGNITY regards diversity as a strength and therefore encourages all qualified persons to apply for the position regardless of ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or age.