PhD fellowship in Social Science of Health Promotion and Public Health

at  Kbenhavns Universitet

Department of Public Health invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in the complexities of women’s menopausal transitions. The project is part of the interdisciplinary research center Women in Healthy Transition (KISO).
Start date is (expected to be) June 1 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

THE PROJECT

It is well-documented that the physical body changes through menopause. For most women, this involves a weight gain and a redistribution of fat, particularly around the abdomen. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD fellow to join our research team for a qualitative study on menopause, body ideals and weight. This project will explore the complex relationships between societal body ideals and the experiences of women during the menopausal transition, focusing on weight gain. The study will address significant and socially relevant issues from a social science perspective, preferable inspired by sociology. Topics may include the medicalization of menopause and (over)weight, the moving menopausal body, the individualization of body projects and personal idealized weight, the role of being physical active, and the balance between healthy function and fit appearance. Using qualitative methods, the research will delve into the nuanced bodily experiences of women in and through menopause. The recruitment of women will be based on a nationwide survey (KISO SURVEY) conducted by the research initiative, Women in Healthy Transition.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for excellent candidates within the fields of social science of health promotion and public health. Applicants can have a background from sociology, public health, anthropology, psychology, or sport and exercise social science. Experience with and knowledge about qualitative methods will be needed.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme are:

• Conduct an independent qualitative research project under supervision.
• Complete PhD courses totaling approximately 30 ECTS / ½ FTE.
• Participate in collaborative and active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals within the field of research in collaboration with colleagues.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project.

KEY CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANTS

We are looking for highly motivated applicants with the following competences and experiences:

• To be eligible for the regular PhD Programme (5+3 scheme), you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Public Health, Sociology, Anthropology, Social science of sport, exercise and health promotion, or related fields with excellent results. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
• The candidate will be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as competent to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary research team
• A creative and curious mindset with a strong interest in menopause, bodily aspects and health
• Fluency in Danish is a non-negotiable requirement from start to conduct the qualitative study
• Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English
• Prior experience and hands-on in any of the following areas is an advantage:
• Qualitative methods (e.g. face-to-face individual interviews, observations, diaries, focus groups)
• Theoretical understandings of societal problems

• Conduct an independent qualitative research project under supervision.
• Complete PhD courses totaling approximately 30 ECTS / ½ FTE.
• Participate in collaborative and active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals within the field of research in collaboration with colleagues.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project