PhD in Implementation Science: Evaluating the Danish Healthcare Reform

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, a three-year, full-time PhD stipend (37 hours per week) in implementation science and healthcare reform evaluation is available for appointment from February 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The PhD position is affiliated with the Center for Implementation Science in Healthcare (CISH), a newly established research center within the National Center for Health Services Research at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, and is within the doctoral program Health care, Health Promotion and Organizations.

Your work tasks

The Danish Healthcare Reform represents one of the most comprehensive transformations of the Danish healthcare system in decades, aiming to strengthen primary care, improve coordination across healthcare sectors, and bring healthcare services closer to citizens. Translating these ambitions into sustainable changes in clinical and organisational practice presents significant implementation challenges.

This PhD project will contribute to the scientific evaluation of the implementation of the Danish Healthcare Reform, with a particular focus on understanding how national reform initiatives are translated into organisational change and everyday healthcare practice.

The project will apply implementation science theories, models, and frameworks to investigate implementation processes, strategies, and outcomes across different organisational and healthcare settings. Particular attention will be given to contextual factors, barriers and facilitators, organisational adaptation, and the mechanisms influencing successful implementation and sustainability.

The PhD project will be part of a broader research programme drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Depending on the specific research questions and focus of the PhD project, the work may involve surveys, quantitative analyses of implementation processes and outcomes, interviews, observations, and document analysis. The specific methodological approach will be determined in collaboration with the supervisory team. The candidate will contribute to the development of research questions, study designs, data collection, analyses, scientific publications, and dissemination of findings to researchers, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers.

The research will be conducted within an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research environment, with opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers in implementation science, health services research, and healthcare system transformation, as well as stakeholders across the Danish healthcare system.

Your competencies

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in health science, public health, political science, organisational studies, sociology, psychology, or a related discipline relevant to the position.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in implementation science, healthcare organisation, and the evaluation of complex healthcare interventions and reforms.

The ideal candidate has:

Strong analytical skills and an interest in scientific research.

Knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and a motivation to further develop methodological competencies.

An interest in organisational change, healthcare systems, and the translation of policy and research into practice.

The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Experience with research, including the application of quantitative and/or qualitative methods, is an advantage but not a requirement. Previous knowledge of implementation science is likewise an advantage, but candidates with relevant methodological competencies and a strong motivation to develop expertise in the field are encouraged to apply.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 872 of 6 October 2026 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are

CISH is a newly established, internationally oriented research center dedicated to advancing the science and practice of implementation in healthcare. Led by Professor Per Nilsen, CISH brings together interdisciplinary expertise in implementation science, health services research, organisational change, and healthcare system transformation. The center offers a collaborative and ambitious research environment with strong national and international partnerships.

As a PhD student, you will become part of a growing research community with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological development, and engagement with leading international researchers in implementation science.

CISH is part of the National Center for Health Services Research, a multidisciplinary research environment with expertise spanning epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, sociology, and clinical research. Together, the centers provide a strong scientific foundation for research addressing complex challenges in healthcare delivery and system transformation.

About the Department of Clinical Medicine

The Department of Clinical Medicine provides research-based teaching across all disciplines of the medical degree programme and conducts research within the clinical specialties.

Read more about the Department of Clinical Medicine here.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)

Other relevant documents

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.

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 assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

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.

Read more about The Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology

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).

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 “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.