Would you like to join an emerging international research group on alcohol epidemiology and public health at NIPH, SDU, to challenge major contemporary public health issues linked to alcohol use, such as alcohol-related social harms and growing health inequalities.

Job description
We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified research assistant for a 10-month position starting on 1 March 2026. The research assistant will join Dr Carolin Kilian’s emerging research group on alcohol epidemiology and public health. The research group focuses on pressing public health questions related to alcohol use, including its connection to socioeconomic inequalities in health outcomes, alcohol’s harm to others than the user (esp. interpersonal violence), and alcohol policy implementation using state-of-the-art methodologies. The research group pursues an interdisciplinary approach to high-quality research and engages in various international collaborations with world-leading public health research centres. The research assistant will have the opportunity to develop and work on their own research questions, and a contract extension and/or PhD opportunity is desired (subject to successful third-party funding).

Job responsibilities
Main tasks will be the curation and analysis of large-scale data (e.g., from Danish health registers) using advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression modelling, time series modelling, latent class modelling). It is expected to contribute to scientific publications, to engage in regular team meetings, and to present results within the larger research group. Developing and researching own research questions is strongly encouraged.

We expect the following qualifications: 

• A relevant master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, data science, psychology, or equivalent. 

• Some research experience (e.g., research year student or research assistant) in a relevant field.

• In-depth knowledge and experience with advanced data processing and statistical analysis in R; knowledge and experience in spatial modelling, machine learning, or computational methods of advantage. 

• Ability to communicate complex data orally and in writing to different target groups.

• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.

• Ability to work in a structured and thorough manner.

• Fluent in English and Danish. 

About NIPH
NIPH is Denmark’s largest public health institute, located in the city centre of Copenhagen. The institute provides a dynamic research environment with ca. 145 researchers of diverse backgrounds. NIPH conducts high-quality, policy-relevant research in epidemiology and population health, providing research-based guidance to Denmark’s authorities. The institute has gained strong national and international recognition in recent years. NIPH is part of the Southern University of Denmark (SDU), which is Denmark’s third-largest university, hosting over 20,000 students and 4,000 staff. In 2024, SDU ranked 301–400 on the Shanghai Global Ranking, with Public Health placed in the top 100.

Further information
If you have any questions about the position, please contact the project group lead Dr Carolin Kilian by email: caki@sdu.dk. 

Terms of Employment
Employment as a research assistant is temporary and offered for an initial period of 10 months from the 01.03.-31.12.2026 with 37 hours per week.
Employment will be in accordance with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Organisation of Academic Professionals, including the circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the specific provisions for the research assistant position as described therein.
Based on an individual managerial assessment, the employee may be exempt from time registration, also known as "self-organiser".

Assessment and Evaluation Process
Shortlisting may be applied in the assessment process.Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment.Read more about shortlisting at SDU thttps://sdunet.dk/en/servicesider/hr/rekruttering-og-onboarding/vip/shortlist. Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee, and shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the assessment that concerns them. The committee may request further information; in such cases, applicants are responsible for submitting the necessary materials.Interviews and tests may form part of the overall assessment.

Application
Applicants are encouraged to read the information "How to apply" before submitting their application.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application

• CV including contact details for personal reference from a previous supervisor or close colleague

• Copy of master’s degree certificate

• Other qualifications relevant to the position

We kindly request PDF files of no more than 5 MB per file. All PDF files must be unlocked, allow binding, and must not be password protected.Documents must not contain a CPR number (Danish civil registration number).
If included, it must be redacted. If you encounter any technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk

UPLOAD GUIDE: The motivated application must be uploaded as “Cover letter”, the Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded as “CV”. All other documents should be uploaded under “Other documents”.

Application deadline: 13 th of December at 23:59 (CET)
Interviews: Interviews will be conducted in the second week of January 2026

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark exists to create value for and with society. Whether our contribution comes in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we aim to make a positive difference and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by nurturing talent and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore essential that SDU attracts, develops, and retains talent. At the same time, we must ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – which we can only achieve with the right people. The university’s researchers, teachers, students, leaders, and technical-administrative staff form the foundation of our success. SDU wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background, to apply.