The National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark Copenhagen department og Public Health at SDU is looking for applicants for a PhD scholarship focused on inequality in access to general practitioners (GPs) in Denmark. 

We are looking for a person with a relevant degree (MD, MSc. etc.)

Project description

For the research project “Medical Deserts and Health Disparities” we are seeking a candidate for a three-year PhD project. The project consists of three subprojects, which together aim to investigate inequality in healthcare provision. While the Danish healthcare system provides universal access to services, disparities persist in access to general practitioners, particularly in rural areas, low-income communities, and among marginalized populations. The PhD project constitutes one of the four subprojects and is therefore part of a larger research collaboration while also functioning as an independent unit. You will be working on the research aims to examine the factors causing a lack of GPs and explore how Denmark can improve the accessibility of general practice services for all citizens. By studying these interconnected factors, the project aims to develop comprehensive policy recommendations to reduce disparities in health care access across Denmark.

Specifically, the PhD project will focus on the two key areas:

• Barriers to settlement and retention of GPs across Denmark, including community level characteristics, such as economic status, rurality, and social infrastructure.
• The working environment and family factors of GPs practicing in underserved areas, based on data from an existing survey that will explore their workload, job satisfaction, family dynamics, work-life balance and challenges faced in providing care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research on the local community environment, working conditions and family factors of GPs in underserved areas and examine the influencing their decisions to practice in these regions.
• Conduct advanced statistical and epidemiological analyses.
• Complete PhD courses (approx. 30 ECTS credits).
• Analyze data from national health registers and surveys.
• Write and publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Write and submit your PhD thesis.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a master's degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Sociology, Medicine or similar disciplines.

We prefer a candidate with the following qualifications:

• Strong background in epidemiological methods, health policy, or healthcare systems.
• Knowledge of health care systems, healthcare access inequalities, and health disparities, preferably within a Danish context.
• Experience with advanced statistical data analysis. Having experience with health registers is highly appreciated.
• Proficiency in Danish (both written and spoken) is required, as the research will involve working with Danish surveys and register data.
• Previous experience with scientific research.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.

What do we offer?

The Department of Public Health – We offer a dynamic and supportive academic environment, providing excellent opportunities for growth and collaboration in public health research. Internally, we focus on creating networks for professional mentoring with skilled colleagues across different sections, including a network for PhD students.

The PhD position:

• Full-time position (37 hours per week) for 3 years.
• Start date: 01.09.2025 or by agreement.
• Employment is contingent on successful enrollment as a PhD student at the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark.

For further information about the project, please contact:

The Department of Public Health

Mette Bender, Associate Professor

Email: meben@sdu.dk
Phone: +45 65501912.

Applications must include:

• At letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) 
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Certified copy of diploma (Master’s degree in a relevant field)

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be 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.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Closing date June 15th 2025

Successful candidates will be asked to send an application to the PhD Secretariat, Faculty of Health Sciences, to be enrolled as PhD students.

The PhD programme will be carried out in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order)

The terms of employment as a salaried PhD Research Fellow are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

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