The new Center for Healthy Aging invites applications for two post doc positions and one Ph.D. preparation grant within its Research Program 4. The post docs are for a period of two years with a possibility of extension. The grant is for an initial period of 3 months. The positions focus on social and cultural aspects of interventions with a primary focus on preventive medication.

Center for Healthy Aging

The Center for Healthy Aging is established in 2009 to promote new avenues of research and education focused on a lifespan approach to healthy aging. The approach is multidisciplinary and the research programs span a broad spectrum, from the molecular and cellular level to individuals and society. The Center is organized around five research programs:

• 1. Neurobiology
• 2. Skeletal muscle metabolism
• 3. Individual aging through the lifespan
• 4. Society, culture and health care policy
• 5. Health promotion, communication and user-driven innovation

Center for Healthy Aging is established as a research network at the Faculty of Health Sciences and is funded by the Danish Nordea Foundation, www.nordeafonden.dk.

Research questions

The main research questions for the positions concern decision making and effects, the influence of social and ethnic factors on the use of preventive drugs and tools for coordination and integration of interventions.

Positions

The positions are open at the earliest convenience. The Post Docs will be placed at the Department of Anthropology in the Social Science Faculty and the Unit of Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences. The pre-PhD will be affiliated to one of the two units or to the Unit of Social Medicine under the Department of Public Health. The Post Doc will work on his/her own project in collaboration with other members of the team and also take part in joint multidisciplinary projects related to Program 4 of the Center. Furthermore, the post doc will be involved in teaching activities to a certain amount. See www.sundaldring.ku.dk

1. Post Doc in Anthropological Perspectives on Preventive Medication

This researcher will develop and carry out a project involving ethnographic research and analytical perspectives on the medication of risk. Possible topics could include the sociality of medication, the role of technology in deciding about medication, or preventive pluralism. Important themes will be: social differences in medication; value assumptions; time dimensions; and the assemblages of structures, interests, research and policies that affect the medicinal practices. Further information: Professor Susan Whyte, susan.reynolds.whyte@anthro.ku.dk

2. Post Doc in Policy and Health Systems Aspects of Preventive Medication

This researcher will develop and carry out a project that illuminates policy or health systems aspects of preventive medication with a special focus on decision making on different levels of health systems. How are policies and guidelines developed and implemented? How are social and ethnic inequalities reflected in interactions with the health care system and in the prescription and use of these medicines? To what extent is information and interventions about preventive medicine use systematized and coordinated? Further information: Professor Allan Krasnik, Krasnik@pubhealth.ku.dk

3. Preparation of Ph.D. Project in Preventive Medication and Healthy Aging

Applications are invited for the preparation of the first of several planned Ph.D. projects on aspects of preventive medicaton and healthy aging. The applicant must propose a project related to one or more of the three research questions under Program 4 and will be affiliated to the Department of Anthropology, or the Units of Health Services Research or Unit of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health. Further information: Associate Professor Carsten Hendriksen, Unit of Social Medicine (ch17@bbh.regionh.dk); Professor Allan Krasnik, Unit of Health Services Research (Krasnik@pubhealth.ku.dk); or Professor Susan Whyte, Department of Anthropology (susan.reynolds.whyte@anthro.ku.dk).

Post Doc Qualifications, Employment, and Procedure

Post doc positions require a Ph.D. degree or corresponding scientific qualifications. Relevant research experience, including research on social and ethnic differences within a health perspective, should be outlined. The Post Docs should have the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and to take responsibility for working with students and researchers of all levels to build up a lively research milieu.

Terms of Employment

The positions will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on the employment of academics in state service. The positions are covered by Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2007 (http://sund.ku.dk/stillinger/VIP/links/ny_stillingsstruktur_eng.pdf/).

The positions contain no enhancement of pedagogical competences. The positions of post doc, therefore, may not alone qualify for appointment as associate professor/senior researcher.

Application and Procedure

Applications (in English or Danish) should include:

• CV, including publication list (with applicants e-mail, address & telephone)
• Short description of background and motivation for choosing this research project
• Project description (max. 5 pages)
• Copies of degrees obtained

The applicants will be assessed according to Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (http://sund.ku.dk/stillinger/VIP/links/anstbkgenglish.pdf/)

Pre-Ph.D. Qualifications, Conditions, and Procedure

The successful applicant must hold a Masters or "Kandidat" degree or have submitted the thesis. Relevant course work, previous research, and practical experience should be described. The applicant should have a high level of academic achievement within the chosen field and should also have the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

The grant is for an initial period of 3 months, with a three year stipend to follow under condition that the project is accepted for the Ph.D. study course at the relevant Department or Faculty of Copenhagen University.

Applications (in English or Danish) should include a short project proposal (max. 2 pages), academic transcripts, copies of degrees, and a CV.

Deadline and Submission (post doc and Ph.D.)

Deadline is 25 May 2009 at 14.00. Material received after this time will not be considered.

Both post doc and ph.d. applications should be submitted electronically and in print (four copies collated as complete sets) to:

Professor Allan Krasnik

Unit of Health Services Research

Department of Public Health

Centre for Health and Society

Øster Farimagsgade 5

DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark

Krasnik@pubhealth.ku.dk

All interested parties are encouraged to apply for the positions, regardless of age, sex, race, religion or ethnicity.

University of Copenhagen (UC) is Denmark's oldest university, founded in 1479. With approximately 37,000 students and 7,500 employees as well as an annual turnover of DKK 5.3 billion, UC is the largest university in the Nordic countries. UC ranks as number 14 in Europe and is the only Nordic university among the world's top 100. www.ku.dk.