PhD Positions in Health System Innovation at Aalborg University – Denmark

Summary

Aalborg University's Department of Health Science and Technology in Denmark is inviting applications for one or more full-time PhD positions in Health System Innovation, starting January 1, 2027. The selected PhD candidates will be hired on a three-year contract funded via a PhD stipend under the AC collective agreement. The position focuses on cross-sectoral health care pathways for chronic disease management, integrating systemic innovation, integrated care, and health economics. Applicants must hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate advanced proficiency in both oral and written Danish and English. Successful candidates will be enrolled in the doctoral programme at the Faculty of Medicine. The application deadline is November 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Health Sciences / Public Health / Health Care Innovation
Research Area	Health System Innovation
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Knowledge of or experience with innovation processes, feasibility testing, and health economic evaluation will be considered an advantage.
Salary	In accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement)
Funding	PhD stipend
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	Danish and English
Deadline	2026-11-01
Required Documents	Application (max. 2 pages), Curriculum Vitae (CV), List of publications (if available), Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma), Other relevant documents, Contact information for references
Employer Address	Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Employer Contact	Sine Agergaard: +4599407564, [email protected]; Annemarie Davidsen: [email protected]; Karina Stendahl Jensen: +4599407573, [email protected]

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on health system innovation, specifically addressing cross-sectoral healthcare pathways for individuals with chronic illness. It aims to build coherent, person-centred, and sustainable support models by bridging hospitals, general practices, municipalities, civil society, and other stakeholders. Methodologically, the work involves prototype development, feasibility testing, data collection, and evaluation, combining perspectives from systemic innovation, integrated care, and health economics.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the prototype development, feasibility test, and evaluation of innovative cross-sectoral healthcare pathways
• Conduct data collection and data analysis
• Disseminate research findings
• Collaborate closely with researchers, healthcare professionals, municipalities, community organisations, and patient representatives
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS
• Gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination
• Complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution

Required Skills

• Master's degree in health sciences, design and innovation studies, sociology, anthropology, or related programmes
• Well-developed skills in conducting research, analysing data, and disseminating results
• Advanced oral and written language skills in Danish and English
• Structured and systematic approach to work
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative competency

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a master's degree in health sciences, design and innovation studies, sociology, anthropology, or related fields should apply. Candidates must possess advanced language skills in Danish and English, well-developed research and data analysis skills, and a strong interest in chronic disease management and cross-sectoral collaboration. Knowledge of health economic evaluation or feasibility testing is beneficial.

Benefits

• Dedicated career development support towards the end of the PhD
• Access to experienced supervisors and modern research facilities
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with international research community, hospitals, industry, and public-sector partners

About the Employer

Aalborg University is an international university in Denmark with over 3,700 employees. Its Department of Health Science and Technology hosts approximately 180 academic staff members, 100 PhD fellows, and 1,700 students across engineering, medicine, and health sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 1, 2026.

What is the duration of the PhD contract?

The contract duration is 3 years, starting from January 1, 2027, or soon thereafter.

What are the language requirements for this position?

Applicants must have advanced oral and written skills in both Danish and English.

Are there mandatory external stays or course requirements?

Yes, PhD candidates must complete 30 ECTS of PhD courses, gain teaching or dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay, preferably 3-6 months abroad.