Postdoc in Personality Disorders Research Part-time

Postdoc In Personality Disorders Research

The Department of Clinical Medicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of Affective Disorders as per 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years.

As a postdoc at the Department of Clinical Medicine, you will be part of what is probably the largest health science research department in Denmark. Our clinical research covers all the medical specialities and takes place in close collaboration with the university hospital and the regional hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. We have approx. 30,000 square metres of modern research facilities for experimental surgery and medicine, animal facilities and also advanced scanners at our disposal. The department has overall responsibility for the Master's degree programs in medicine and in molecular medicine. At the department we are approx. 670 academic employees, 500 PhD students and 160 technical/administrative employees who are cooperating across disciplines. As a postdoc, you will be working at Aarhus University Hospital or another hospital in the Central Denmark Region.

Your place of work will be the Department of Affective Disorders (ADA) at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital-Psychiatry. ADA is a specialized clinical and research department focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of mood, anxiety and personality-related psychiatric conditions. The department integrates neuroscience, psychology, epidemiology and pharmacology to explore the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying affective disorders, contributing to improved therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, ADA plays a pivotal role in advancing mental health care in Denmark and beyond.

The focus of this project is the epidemiology and shared genetics of eating disorders and personality (EpiGen-EP). Personality disorder (PD) characteristics are often present in patients with eating disorders (EDs), but we know little about the epidemiology or biological underpinnings of comorbid ED and PD. Using data from Denmark and Estonia, this project will examine the epidemiology and genetics of ED and disordered personality and identify meaningful subgroups for targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

Your primary task will be to conduct research of high international quality. Although the position is primarily research based, a small degree of teaching and supervision (in English) will be required. In your daily work, you will work closely with both Danish and international colleagues.

Your main tasks will consist of:

1. Independent research of high international quality, including publication
2. A limited amount of teaching and supervision
3. Some degree of contribution towards attracting external research funding
4. Contributions to internal and external efforts to disseminate research findings to relevant academic, clinical and patient stakeholder groups, including planning and carrying out workshops and symposia
5. Participation in, and active contribution to, the development of the working environment of the research unit, including journal clubs and research seminars

Administratively, you will report to the head of the Department of Affective Disorders research unit, Dr. Søren D. Østergaard.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in psychiatric genetic epidemiology, personality disorders and/or eating disorders, data analysis and statistical modeling. Prior experience working with Danish registers is an advantage. As a person, the ideal candidate will have good interpersonal skills, will be inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good working environment. Our research unit is highly international, therefore cultural awareness, open communication, adaptability and mutual respect are highly valued.

Qualification requirements are as follows:

1. Education background at the PhD level in psychiatric epidemiology and/or psychiatric genetics, or a closely related field.
2. Experience and proficiency working with large datasets (experience working with Danish national registers strongly preferred)
3. Experience and proficiency with data analysis and statistical modeling
4. Competence with at least one of the following statistical software packages: SAS, STATA or R
5. Curiosity, internal motivation, a positive attitude and a strong love of science and scientific research
6. Fluency in spoken and written English required. Additional proficiency in spoken and written Danish is an advantage.

To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the formal requirements for academic appointments at Aarhus University and submit all required application materials by the deadline. Applications that are substantially incomplete will not proceed to further assessment

Obtaining a child certificate is a prerequisite for employment in the position.

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant – postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty's Guidelines for applicants. Aarhus University's ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.