Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship
Aarhus University and The National Research Center for the Working Environment are inviting applications for a 3-year fully funded PhD position, for enrolment in the PhD programme at the Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark. The PhD student will be supervised by Associate Professor Kent Nielsen and will be embedded in a research group at the National Research Center for the Working Environment in Copenhagen. The research environment is well-established and of high international standard, with strong expertise in occupational safety and health and the construction sector.
This PhD project investigates how psychosocial occupational safety and health (OSH) in construction can be improved through an integrative approach focusing on communication, alignment, and cooperation (CAC) across organizational levels. The project is embedded in a larger research initiative and aims to generate both research-based and practice-oriented knowledge.
Empirically, the project is based on multiple case studies in four construction organizations (clients and contractors). Data collection includes ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with managers and employees in construction management. These data are used to identify and analyse practices related to communication, conflict, and inclusion.
Based on this analysis, the PhD project contributes to the co-development of an intervention with practitioners. Workshops involving multiple organizational levels are used to develop concrete activities aimed at improving psychosocial OSH. The intervention is implemented and evaluated in selected cases, focusing on how collaborative processes influence conflict, inclusion, and shared understanding.
The project applies qualitative methods within a practice- and positioning-oriented analytical framework and a systemic perspective, enabling analysis of interactions across organizational levels. The PhD will result in three scientific articles addressing (1) identification of key practices, (2) development of intervention activities, and (3) evaluation of implementation.
Master’s degree in the social sciences, working life studies, public health or a related field
Strong analytical skills and solid training in qualitative research methods
Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., interviews, ethnographic observation)
Knowledge of organizational theory and/or psychosocial working environment; experience with workplace interventions is an advantage
Interest in or knowledge of the construction sector or similar complex organizational contexts is beneficial
Ability to work independently and in a structured manner, including planning data collection, managing data, and meeting deadlines
Experience with scientific writing; publication experience is an advantage
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with both researchers and practitioners across organizational levels
Fluency in English (written and spoken); proficiency in Danish is highly advantageous
Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 27 May 2026 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please contact Associate Professor Kent Jacob Nielsen, kentjn@clin.au.dk for more information.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
