Assistant Professor in Implementation Research, Physical Activity and Health

Join SDU’s Active Living, FIIBL and DRIVEN teams to advance implementation research that turns knowledge into practice — helping children and young people move, learn and thrive.

The Research Unit Active Living, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, invites applications for a full-time position as assistant professor in Implementation Research, Physical Activity and Health, starting 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and ending 28 February 2030.

Job Description

The successful candidate will contribute actively to collaborative projects with schools, municipalities, and societal partners. Current and upcoming initiatives include the YEAH! Project - which is developing a cutting-edge digital tool to help children and adolescents adopt healthier habits regardless of their background (link) - and MEGAFiT, which aims to design, test, and evaluate a research-based teaching program in fitness and strength training for students in grades 7–9 (link) - and Idrætsskoleprojektet, an intervention aimed at promoting physical activity and well-being by enhancing both the quantity and quality of Physical Education. The candidate will also contribute to Generation Healthy Kids, a major national initiative to promote movement, well-being, and healthier everyday lives for children (link).

Teaching, supervision and dissemination will be integral to the role, including contributions primarily to bachelor and master programs in physical education, sports, and health, including teaching in water activities.

During the employment period the candidate will be expected to complete the SDU lecturer training programme.

For information on assistant professor positions at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics in general, please click .

Qualifications

We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative scholar with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Implementation research in health promotion and physical activity
• Intervention studies with children and adolescents
• Use of technology to foster healthier habits and reduce health inequalities
• Interdisciplinary approaches supporting people and communities in making lasting behavior changes to achieve valued goals across life domains
• The role of physical activity in learning and well-being

We Expect

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., implementation science, health behavior and/or sports science)
• Documented research experience in one or more of the focus areas listed above
• Experience with intervention studies and collaboration with practice partners (e.g., schools, municipalities)
• Teaching experience and interest in innovative pedagogy, including documented record of teaching and supervision experience at various levels relevant for the department’s portfolio of study programmes and motivation for study programme and/or course development and coordination
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Proficiency in English is required. Danish language skills are recommended but not mandatory at the time of appointment and will be expected to be developed within a reasonable period.

We Offer

• A vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment in Active Living, with strong ties to DRIVEN and FIIBL
• Opportunities for national and international collaboration
• Career development support, including mentorship and guidance on grant applications
• A collegial workplace with a commitment to societal impact through research and education.

About Us

The position will be based at the Active Living research unit (link) and affiliated with both DRIVEN – Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science (link) and FIIBL - Research and Implementation Centre for Human Movement and Learning (link). 

DRIVEN applies interdisciplinary approaches to help people and communities make sustained changes in their behaviors, so they can achieve valued goals in diverse life domains. 

FIIBL develops and applies practice-oriented research and evidence on children’s movement and learning. Together, these environments provide a unique platform for innovative, impactful, and practice-oriented research.

The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics adheres to SDU's strategy and values, see https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/strategi-politikker/strategi2030 . Our department is recognized for our interdisciplinary research. The scientific, technical and administrative staff support this through active participation in the department's professional and social life. We prefer candidates with the ambition to make mutual working relationships thrive. 

Further information and contact

Non-Danish-speaking applicants will be offered free language classes in the Danish Language. 

For further information about the position, please contact professor Thomas Skovgaard, Head of Research Unit, Tel: 6550 3428, e-mail: tskovgaard@health.sdu.dk or professor Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, Tel: 6550 3493, e-mail: jtroelsen@health.sdu.dk .

Application Deadline

October 28, 2025, at 2359 hrs. CET

Application, salary, and employment terms

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). For more details on salary and taxation, please refer to the provided links about salary and taxation.

To qualify for the position as Assistant Professor you must have obtained a PhD or similar degree by the application deadline. 

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically via the "Apply now" link provided below in this job posting.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk .

The application must include the following:

• Letter of motivation that clearly explains the applicant's interest, qualifications, and motivation for the position.
• Detailed CV including documentation of experience, and contacts for possible references. 
• Certificates/Diplomas (Master and PhD degree).
• Complete list of publications, indicating which publications are most relevant for the position.
• 3 of the most relevant research publications
• A research plan (max 4 pages) for the next three years
• A teaching portfolio

All application materials must be submitted in English, and only applications written in English will be considered. 

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

We recommend that international applicants take the time to visit the web site of the International Staff Office at SDU. Here you can find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark.

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 the part of the evaluation that concerns themselves. 

About Sdu

SDU is committed to fostering a diverse staff that reflects society’s diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background.

SDU was founded in 1966 and now has over 27,000 students, nearly 20% of whom are international. SDU employs more than 3,800 staff and offers 115 study programs across disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. While SDU’s main campus is in Odense, it also has campuses in other locations.