Postdoc in Behaviour Change interventions (Part-Time, Fixed-Term)

The Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science (DRIVEN), Research
Unit for Behaviour Science, Motivation and Health (STRIVE) at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics (IOB), invites applications for a fixed-term, part-time (80%) postdoc position commencing as soon as possible and ending 30 September 2028.

The position is established in connection with the joint project “mPADapp - Digital Decision Support for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)” between DRIVEN (SDU), the Institute of Clinical Medicine (IMK) at Aarhus University and the Vascular Research Unit at Viborg Regional Hospital.

About the project

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a major vascular health issue affecting quality of life, mobility, and survival. The mPADapp project aims to improve adherence to clinical guidelines for PAD treatment via an interactive decision support tool. The tool will be integrated into a mobile app for patients and into healthcare providers’ systems, to enhance understanding, motivation, and behaviour change around preventive treatments (e.g. medication adherence, smoking cessation, physical activity etc.). A key component is the development of the app’s behavioural intervention design, grounded in evidence on mechanisms of successful behaviour change.

About the job

The postdoc is expected to manage the design and refinement of an app for telerehabilitation. The role will focus on identifying and integrating effective behaviour change techniques (BCTs), user experience/user-centered design, digital engagement, and mechanisms of motivation, self-regulation, habit formation, and sustained adherence.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team (clinicians, epidemiologists, app developers, AI-scientists, patient representatives) to co-design the app features that promote sustained behaviour change

• Review and apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence on behaviour change mechanisms (motivation, self-efficacy, intention formation, cues/triggers, habit formation, feedback loops, rewards etc.)

• Identify BCTs appropriate for PAD patients, particularly those who may have low health literacy, low motivation, sociocultural or economic vulnerabilities

• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative studies (usability testing, field pilots, interviews, survey, digital usage data) to test usability, acceptability, engagement, and mechanisms

• Contribute to app iteration, interface design, content generation (e.g. messaging, reminders, motivational feedback) ensuring alignment with evidence-based BCTs and self-determination theory

• Prepare high-quality publications, present at conferences and ensure that findings inform clinical integration and implementation

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

Qualifications

• A completed PhD or equivalent research experience at PhD level in psychology, behaviour science, public health, digital health, or related field, with demonstrated experience in behaviour change/intervention science

• Strong knowledge of behaviour change theories and frameworks (e.g. Self-Determination Theory, COM-B, Behaviour Change Wheel, Health Action Process Approach etc.)

• Experience with digital health interventions or mobile app behaviour support (design and evaluation)

• Strong collaboration skills, able to work in interdisciplinary teams including clinicians, software developers, and health economists

• Excellent communication skills in both Danish and English (written and oral)

We offer

• A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, with strong ties to vascular surgery, epidemiology, digital health, and user involvement

• Resources for user panels/patient involvement, usability labs, and collaboration with app developers

• Opportunities for publication, networking, and professional development

Further information and contact:

For more information about the position and the department, please contact Professor Nikos Ntoumanis, Head of Centre, Tel: (+45) 6550 4525, e-mail: [email protected] or Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, Tel: (+45) 6550 3493, e-mail: [email protected].

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]. 

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for the period mentioned above. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. (no more than 4 years in total 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. 

The shortlisted 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. 

Employment as a postdoctoral researcher requires a PhD degree or academic qualifications at PhD level.  

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 aacademic qualifications at PhD level (copy of original + verified English translation)

• A complete list of publications

• Up to 4 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 October 2026 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 the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics

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.

About The Faculty of Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark is one of Denmark’s leading faculties of health sciences. With nine departments, internationally top‑class research, and a broad range of health‑related study programmes, we contribute to developing the knowledge, treatments, and healthcare system of the future.

As an employee at the faculty, you become part of an ambitious and interdisciplinary environment characterised by high academic standards, strong collaborations, and excellent opportunities for professional development. The faculty has activities in Odense, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen. In Esbjerg and Copenhagen, strong academic communities provide the framework for research and education, while our modern faculty building in Odense brings research, education, and administration together under one roof and is directly connected to Odense University Hospital.

About Us

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.