The Department of Political Science and Public Management, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, is looking for a full-time research assistant for a strategic research program on the organizational and systemic transformation of the Danish healthcare system. The position is limited to 12 months with a starting date on 1 August 2026 or as agreed.

The position is connected to a strategic initiative and start-up of a research program that is carried out in close academic co-operation between the Department of Political Science and Public Management and the Department of Business and Management at the University of Southern Denmark. You will be part of a cross-disciplinary research environment bringing together perspectives from public administration, management, organization, innovation, user-orientation and technological adaptation in research, funding development and dissemination.

About the research program

The Danish healthcare system is facing a historical reorganization. Demographic changes, labour shortage, rising health burden and rapid technological development call for a rethinking of management, organization, working procedures and technology usage. The national healthcare reform and political agreements address the need for change, but the research-based knowledge is still lacking within the following areas: how transformative changes are actually initiated, managed, carried out, and anchored within the healthcare institutions and, not least, across sectors, and how digitalization and technological implementation affect quality, procedures, competency and motivation.

Your tasks

As a research assistant you will be part of establishing the research program and have a key role in ensuring progress and quality in the program activities. Your typical tasks will include:

1. Literature mapping and information overview

   Mapping of key Nordic and international literature about transformation of health services. Compose strategy for literature review, overview memos and contribute to a draft of an overview article.

2. Interview study and empirical support

   Practical and analytical support for interview studies: sampling, contact to informants, interview guides, coordination and planning. Assist the structuring of data material and thematization/coding. 

3. International symposium

   Support the planning and execution of an international symposium with 20-25 Danish and international researchers (invitations, draft agenda, participation overview, briefing material). Prepare summaries and contributions to dissemination after the symposium (e.g., minute/working paper/draft for article).

4. Funding application and publications

   Contribute to developing draft and application texts to, e.g. Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond (Independent Research Fund Denmark), Innovationsfonden (Innovation Fund Denmark), and private funds (draft, references, structure, methods section as needed).

The tasks are adjusted to your profile and the program’s progression. You will get insight into how a large research program is established – from the academic mapping and data collection to creating network, applications and knowledge-sharing.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate with strong analytical qualifications and interest in the healthcare system’s organization, steering, management and transformation.

You should have:

• A relevant master’s degree (or be close to completing one) within e.g. political science, public administration, business economics, innovation management, sociology, organizational studies, economics or related business and social science disciplines.

• Good methodological skills (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).

• Strong writing skills in both Danish and English.

• The ability to organise work both independently and in close cooperation with the research group.

It will be an advantage (but not a requirement), if you have experience with:

• Systematic literature reviews/scoping reviews.

• Interview studies and qualitative analysis and/or quantitative analysis.

• Handling references and academic dissemination.

We attach great importance to your willingness to enter an active research environment and that you are motivated to pursue a PhD within the field in the long term.

We offer:

• A research position close to a strong, practice-relevant cross-disciplinary environment with close contact with the healthcare system and key actors.

• A cross-disciplinary cooperation across the University of Southern Denmark, where innovation, transformation, public administration, organization innovation, and management are connected in research and development.

• The possibility of obtaining experience and results that could strengthen a future PhD application (e.g. through contributions to publications, conferences and applications – depending on tasks and qualifications). 

For further information about the position and the research program, please contact Professor Mickael Bech, e-mail: mibech@sam.sdu.dk. 

Application

The application must include:

• Letter of motivation (max. 1-2 pages). You are welcome to write about your research interests and knowledge within the field. 

• A detailed CV

• Copy of certificates and grade transcripts (bachelor and master diploma or preliminary transcript of grades).

• Optional: a short writing sample (e.g. abstract or other relevant text).

All non-Danish documents must be translated into English, and all documents must be in pdf format, no more than 5 MB per file. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

The application deadline is 7 April 2026 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now" on our website.

Applicants are encouraged to read the information "How to apply" before applying. If you experience technical problems when uploading the application, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application should be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae should be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents should be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’. 

Assessment and selection process

Assessment of applications will be done under existing Appointment Order for universities. Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material. Incomplete applications may be rejected without any substantial evaluation.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, applicants will receive the part of the assessment that concerns themselves. The assessment report will subsequently be forwarded to the Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Management, who will form an appointment committee. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation by the appointment committee. 

Based on information from the entire recruitment process, the Head of Department determines which applicants will be offered a position.

Conditions of employment

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

For a detailed description of the entry criteria and a job description for a research assistant, as well as a descriptions of the assessment and hiring processes at the Department of Political Science and Public Management, please consult the department’s Scholarly Qualification Matrix – REEAD.

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”.

SDU recommends that international applicants take the time to visit Work in Denmark, where there is information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

About the Department of Political Science and Public Management

The Department of Political Science and Public Management is part of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences and currently has approximately 90 permanent employees as well as several part-time employees. Currently, the department attracts around 2,500 students in its various full-time bachelor and master programs as well as part-time professional master programs. The department is located on three of the University of Southern Denmark’s campuses in Odense, Sønderborg and Esbjerg, respectively. 

The department is organized around three research sections in Public Administration, Welfare and Politics, International and Regional Politics, and Journalism as well as several cross-disciplinary research centres and research groups. 

The department believes in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for both staff members and students. Therefore, the department’s ambition is to recruit, develop, and retain talented scholars committed to both academic and educational excellence and departmental development. Furthermore, the department wishes the staff to reflect the diversity of society and, thus, welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

For a detailed description of the department's profile and activities and more information about its strategy, please visit the department's website.