Professor in Physical Activity-based prevention and Implementation, MVH, IRS (combined position)

Professor in Physical Activity-based prevention and Implementation (combined position)

The Department of Regional Health Research(IRS) University of Southern Denmark(SDU; 20%) and the Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez Central and West Zealand Hospital(80%) invite applications for a for a fulltime fiveyear position as Professor in Physical Activity-based prevention and Implementation to be filled as soon as possible.

The professorship is expected to strengthen the person-centered practice-oriented and real-world research profile at Central- and West Zealand Hospital and IRS by advancing research on physical activity and preventive interventions for people living with chronic disease. A central element of the position is research development leadership and implementation of clinically relevant cross-disciplinary and -sectoral research programs conducted in close collaboration with key stakeholders outside academia including healthcare providers at hospitals municipalities general practice policy actors and civil society ensuring strong real-world relevance and sustainability.

Main tasks and responsibilities
The professors main tasks will be to secure funding manage lead and report clinically relevant and practice-based research projects and research programs focusing on physical activity-based preventive interventions in chronic disease with particular emphasis on coherent patient pathways long-term maintenance of health-related behaviors and new flexible preventive models in real-world healthcare settings. These activities are expected to be carried out in close and sustained collaboration with cross-disciplinary and -sectoral stakeholders outside academia ensuring that research addresses concrete needs in healthcare practice and supports implementation and uptake across sectors

As part of the professorship the successful candidate will take up the position as Head of two groups within the Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez:

• Physical Activity Delivery Participation and Maintenance
• Implementation and Evaluation Group involving both researchers and implementation consultants.

The professor will be expected to:

• Lead develop and supervisor externally funded research programs focusing on physical activity-based prevention and real-world implementation
• Conduct and supervise research using real-world cohort designs pragmatic randomized controlled trials evidence synthesis and mixed methods approaches
• Strengthen and sustain cross-sectoral collaboration between hospitals general practice municipalities education and civil society
• Strengthen and expand collaboration with relevant international research environments
• Support and contribute to the translation of research-based knowledge into clinical practice healthcare organization and society
• Engage in national and international professional networks and steering committees
• Supervise and examine students at Masters PhD and postdoctoral levels
• Mentor junior researchers and clinicians and contribute to capacity building
• Contribute to the development and support of the research strategies of PROgrez Central- and West Zealand Hospital and the IRS SDU

Qualifications
Applicants who must be fluent in Danish must document that they:

• Hold a PhD degree and are qualified for appointment as professor according to Danish university regulations
• Hold a position as a recognized Associate Professor or have equivalent qualifications relevant to clinical and practice-based health research
• Have a strong and documented research profile within physical activity prevention non-pharmacological interventions implementation rehabilitation or maintenance of health-related behaviors
• Demonstrate strong methodological competencies in quantitative or mixed-methods research and evidence synthesis e.g. systematic reviews
• Show strong interest in communication and translation of evidence into clinical practice and society
• Have documented experience with patient and public involvement
• Published in well-established international peer-reviewed research journals
• Demonstrate the ability to attract external research funding and international collaborators
• Have documented experience in establishing leading and sustaining long-term practice-oriented research collaborations with a strong network of stakeholders outside of academia

Research environment
The professor will be affiliated with the Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez and will contribute to strengthening SDUs and PROgrez and Central- and West Zealand Hospitals research profile within practice-oriented cross-sectoral and socially responsible health research.

Application deadline

May 3 2026 at 23.59 hrs. (CET)

Location: Slagelse

Further Information:
More information about the professorship can be obtained by contacting:

• Research director Head of PROgrez and Professor at SDU Søren T. Skou/
• Professor & Head of Department at IRS SDU Jakob Grauslund/ .

Application

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

We strongly recommend that you readHow to apply for a position at SDUbefore 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 (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma)
• a complete and numbered list of publications
• 10 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this 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 portfoliodetailing the candidates prior teaching experience teaching skills and teaching philosophy
• A track record of obtained research funding
• Documentation of national and international research collaboration
• Research plan outlining future research activities

For technical issues please contact:

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

Assessment

Shortlisting may 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.

Salary and terms of employment

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

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offeredDanish language trainingas part of the employment.

TheInternational 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.