Postdoc in Digital Education and Empowerment for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Comorbidities

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology a postdoc in digital education and empowerment for patients with atrial fibrillation and comorbidities are available for appointment from January 1, 2027, or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

The Department of Health Science and Technology (HST) at Aalborg University is an interdisciplinary research and teaching environment where engineering, medicine and health sciences come together to improve people's lives.

As a postdoc at HST, you will be affiliated to the Section of Public Health at the Department of Health Science and Technology and become part of an international research community with access to experienced supervisors, modern research facilities and strong interdisciplinary collaboration. You will work alongside researchers from a wide range of disciplines and engage with hospitals, industry and public-sector partners to address some of society's most important health challenges.

The department is home to approximately 180 academic staff members, around 100 PhD fellows and more than 1,700 students. We offer a stimulating research environment that encourages scientific curiosity, collaboration and professional development.

At HST, our values – Share. Care. Dare. – shape the way we collaborate, support one another and create knowledge with societal impact.

Learn more about the department on our website and in our research portal.
Your work tasks
The postdoc will be affiliated with the research and innovation project AF-EMPOWER: Digital Education and Empowerment for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Comorbidities. AF is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, is frequently associated with comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and sleep disorders, and AF prevalence is expected to double over the next two decades. Education is a cornerstone of AF care, supporting patient engagement and self-management, yet many patients still report insufficient understanding of their condition and its management. The psychological impact of AF and its comorbidities is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of care. The aim of the AF-EMPOWER study is to co-design, develop, test and evaluate a tailored digital educational and empowerment application for patients with AF and comorbidities and relatives to assess its feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness compared with usual care.

The postdoc will coordinate and contribute to the co-design process, prototype and program development, feasibility test and evaluation of the effectiveness of the AF-EMPOWER application. You will be involved in data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings. The project combines perspectives from systemic innovation, psychosocial well-being, digital health literacy and equity, behavioural science and patient empowerment, implementation science and mixed-methods evaluation.

The Postdoc will work closely with patients with AF, their relatives, healthcare professionals from the Department of Cardiology and the Department of Citizens’ Health at the Regional Hospital in Viborg and Silkeborg, as well as municipalities, general practitioners (GP), community organizations, and researchers. The position requires the ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, apply for funding and collaborate confidently and effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree and a Phd in health sciences, physiotherapy, nursing, sociology, psychology, or social sciences
• An interest in co-design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital technologies
• Well-developed skills in conducting research, analyzing data and disseminating results
• Collaborative competencies to work in an interdisciplinary context
• A demonstrated track record of securing research funding
• Language skills in Danish and English (oral and written)
• Access to a car

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. 
How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, outlining your motivation for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

In your cover letter, please explain why you find AF-EMPOWER interesting, how your research background can contribute to the project, and which methodological and research skills you would bring to the project.

We look forward to receiving your application.

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society. 

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     
Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Postdoc”.

The position is subject to a three-month probationary period applicable to both parties.

Aalborg University – Knowledge for the World
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer programmes grounded in real-world challenges and produce world-class research through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private organizations. These collaborations generate insights, new solutions to societal challenges, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, with additional campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.