Declaration of Interest regarding PhD project in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A full-time, three-year PhD position is available within the FEMME project (FErtility and Medically assisted reproduction: Mapping women's short- and long-term health Effects) at the Research Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), from 1 March 2026.

Research environment

The PhD position is part of the FEMME project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

The position is hosted within the Research Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SDU, and conducted in close collaboration with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine (CPPEM) and the Danish Cancer Society.

The PhD student will join an interdisciplinary and engaged research environment with expertise in reproductive epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and women's health. We combine clinical perspectives with advanced population-based research using nationwide health data to address key questions about women's health across the life course. Our group is collaborative, international, and dedicated to high scientific standards, while maintaining an open and informal atmosphere. We value curiosity, teamwork, and mutual support, and we take pride in creating a space where young researchers can develop their skills and thrive both scientifically and personally.

In daily work, the PhD student will report to associate professor Mette Bliddal and assistant professor Noémie Roland, but he/she will also be expected to contribute to the whole research unit.

Project description

The FEMME project seeks to investigate women's somatic and mental health following fertility treatment. Within this framework, the PhD project presented here forms part of Work Package 1 (WP1), which focuses on women's cardiovascular health after medically assisted reproduction (MAR).

Specifically, the PhD project aims to improve understanding of the short- and long-term cardiovascular effects in women of cumulative infertility treatments including those who did not achieve pregnancy, using nationwide health and population registers from Denmark and Norway. The project will explore the occurrence of major cardiovascular events in women undergoing MAR and examine how treatment characteristics influence women's cardiovascular health.

The PhD candidate will work closely with an experienced multidisciplinary supervisory team and will have access to strong data infrastructures and relevant courses in epidemiology and statistics.

Qualifications

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious candidate with:

• A Master's degree (MD, MSc, or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Epidemiology, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in epidemiological methods, data analysis, and coding (e.g., R, Stata, or similar)
• Interest in women's health, fertility treatment, and population-based research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English

Prior experience with register-based research is an advantage but not required.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Mette Bliddal

Department of Clinical Research

University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

E-mail:

Applications must include:

• At letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) - upload under "Application form".
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Certified copy of diploma (Master's degree in a relevant field)

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Interviews can be performed online if needed but physical interviews are preferred.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found on the website of the University .

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a job at SDU | Step-by-step guide - SDU before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Closing date 30 November 2025

Successful candidates will be asked to send an application to the PhD Secretariat, Faculty of Health Sciences, to be enrolled as PhD students.

The PhD programme will be carried out in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order)

The terms of employment as a salaried PhD Research Fellow are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.