Postdoc in Behaviour Change interventions

The Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science (DRIVEN), Research Unit for Behaviour Science, Motivation and Health (STRIVE) at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics (IOB), invites applications for a fixed-term, part-time (80%) postdoc position commencing as soon as possible and ending 30 September 2028.

The position is established in connection with the joint project ‘mPADapp -Digital Decision Support for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)’ between DRIVEN (SDU), the Institute of Clinical Medicine (IMK) at Aarhus University and the Vascular Research Unit at Viborg Regional Hospital.

About the project

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a major vascular health issue affecting quality of life, mobility, and survival. The mPADapp project aims to improve adherence to clinical guidelines for PAD treatment via an interactive decision support tool. The tool will be integrated into a mobile app for patients and into healthcare providers’ systems, to enhance understanding, motivation, and behaviour change around preventive treatments (e.g. medication adherence, smoking cessation, physical activity etc.). A key component is the development of the app’s behavioural intervention design, grounded in evidence on mechanisms of successful behaviour change.

About the job

The postdoc is expected to manage the design and refinement of an app for telerehabilitation. The role will focus on identifying and integrating effective behaviour change techniques (BCTs), user experience/user-centered design, digital engagement, and mechanisms of motivation, self-regulation, habit formation, and sustained adherence.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team (clinicians, epidemiologists, app developers, AI-scientists, patient representatives) to co-design the app features that promote sustained behaviour change
• Review and apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence on behaviour change mechanisms (motivation, self-efficacy, intention formation, cues/triggers, habit formation, feedback loops, rewards etc.)
• Identify BCTs appropriate for PAD patients, particularly those who may have low health literacy, low motivation, sociocultural or economic vulnerabilities
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative studies (usability testing, field pilots, interviews, survey, digital usage data) to test usability, acceptability, engagement, and mechanisms
• Contribute to app iteration, interface design, content generation (e.g. messaging, reminders, motivational feedback) ensuring alignment with evidence-based BCTs and self‑determination theory
• Prepare high‑quality publications, present at conferences and ensure that findings inform clinical integration and implementation

Qualifications

• A completed PhD or equivalent research experience at PhD level in psychology, behaviour science, public health, digital health, or related field, with demonstrated experience in behaviour change/intervention science
• Strong knowledge of behaviour change theories and frameworks (e.g. Self‑Determination Theory, COM‑B, Behaviour Change Wheel, Health Action Process Approach etc.)
• Experience with digital health interventions or mobile app behaviour support (design and evaluation)
• Strong collaboration skills, able to work in interdisciplinary teams including clinicians, software developers, and health economists
• Excellent communication skills in both Danish and English (written and oral)

We offer

• A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, with strong ties to vascular surgery, epidemiology, digital health, and user involvement
• Resources for user panels/patient involvement, usability labs, and collaboration with app developers
• Opportunities for publication, networking, and professional development

Further information and contact:

For more information about the position and the department, please contact Professor Nikos Ntoumanis, Head of Centre, Tel: (+45) 6550 4525, e‑mail: nntoumanis@health.sdu.dkor Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, Tel: (+45) 6550 3493, e‑mail:jtroelsen@health.sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for the period mentioned above. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. (no more than 4 years in total at the same university)

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described here