Associate Professor in qualitative research and user involvement (combined position)

A position as Associate Professor (20% time) is vacant at the Research unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark. This position is combined with an employment at Odense University Hospital.

The position is limited to 5 years with the possibility of extension.

The research unit

The Research Unit for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Odense University Hospital (OUH) bridges the gap between innovative technology and clinical excellence. Our research focuses on the clinical implementation of 3D technology and virtual surgical planning to improve precision in orthognathic and reconstructive procedures. Furthermore, key focus areas include multidisciplinary studies on sleep apnea, the impact of oral health on systemic diseases, and innovative solutions to enhance oral care for hospitalized patients.

As a designated center for Highly Specialized Functions, the unit manages the most complex clinical cases. This includes the surgical correction of severe jaw anomalies, specialized temporomandibular joint interventions, and advanced jaw reconstructions following oncology or trauma, which often require multidisciplinary treatment. By combining specialized surgery with both quantitative and qualitative research, we ensure that patient care remains at the international forefront, focusing on surgical stability, improved precision, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

The academic position

The job involves research, professional development, research education, teaching, including exams, supervision and assessment work within the field of qualitative research, nursing practice, oral care and oral maxillofacial surgery.

Expectations and qualifications

The associate professor must be employed as a clinical researcher at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and must also contribute to strengthening qualitative research within the Research unit of Plastic Surgery, OUH. The candidate must have documented research experience within the areas of qualitative research, user involvement and co-creation. We seek a researcher capable of investigating patient pathways across hospital departments, sectors, professions and scientific disciplines, with a particular focus on qualitative research approaches and user-involving perspectives. The candidate should also be able to collaborate across methodological traditions by integrating qualitative methods with complementary research approaches to advance knowledge development. Furthermore, the candidate will serve as a supervisor and mentor for young, aspiring researchers, and therefore, hands-on experience in supervision and mentoring is preferable. We are looking for a candidate with a strong research network and a well-established academic profile within qualitative research.

In addition, good cooperation skills are expected in order to further the development of research in the areas mentioned above, both interdisciplinary as well as nationally and internationally. International partners are an advantage, but not a requirement.

Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Head of Research at the Research unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Associate Professor Kasper Stokbro, e-mail: kasper.stokbro@rsyd.dk,or Head of Department of Clinical Research, SDU, Rikke Leth-Larsen, e-mail: rllarsen@health.sdu.dk.

Application deadline

April 01, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CEST).

Salary and terms of employment

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

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• a motivation letter

• a detailed CV

• degree certificates (including a Ph.D.-diploma)

• a complete and numbered list of publications

• 6 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please note that a copy of each publication must be attached as a pdf file.

  • It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.

• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy

• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work

For technical issues, please contact: hcm-support@sdu.dk

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.

References will be obtained for the preferred candidate from their current and previous employers. Applicants invited for interview should expect to complete a work-related personality assessment.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.

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