Researcher sought to research and teach in the field of Culture and Health

Research Center for Leadership and Welfare Innovation VIA University College is seeking a researcher to conduct research and teach within the field of Culture and Health. We are looking for an employee who can document solid research and development experience and who also has experience teaching in the area.

We want to consolidate and further develop this area, and the employee will independently undertake projects where, for example, narrative approaches and narrative medicine are included, as well as develop projects focusing on citizen perspectives, the meeting between citizens, culture and the health services.

In the Research Center for Leadership and Welfare Innovation we place emphasis on an inspiring and inclusive working environment. As an employee you will have dedicated colleagues who share a common interest in health and social science issues. We therefore seek an engaged employee who shares this interest, who can bridge between research in humanities and health science issues and who can apply his or her knowledge in relevant professional educations and in a continuing education and lifelong learning context.

We expect the right employee to possess a strong humanities research profile, preferably with a background in literary studies, philosophy or related fields. We also place emphasis on the applicant having solid experience in leading larger practice- and research projects, experience in applying for and securing external funding, experience participating in national and international research networks, and solid teaching competencies.

Primary work tasks

Overall, the researcher should help develop and implement research and development projects and support the development of the research environment in the center and in VIA more generally. In collaboration with colleagues, practice, private or public organizations and other knowledge institutions, the researcher should contribute to VIA's goals of creating communities that bring out the best in everyone and create learning across.

More specifically, the tasks are to

• design and conduct practice-oriented research and development projects within the field of Culture and Health
• draft and contribute to external research applications
• teach in professional education programs, master programs, and in a continuing education context
• publish and disseminate high-quality research contributions
• contribute to the professional development of the Research Center for Leadership and Welfare Innovation
• further develop national and international collaboration within the field.

Qualifications

The applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications and

• possess documented applied knowledge, including both theoretical and empirical insight, related to relevant issues within narrative medicine as well as culture and health.
• possess research competencies and applied competencies within narrative medicine and creative writing
• be able to document solid research experience within the field, including experience publishing articles, also in international journals
• have experience leading collective research and development projects, including solid experience in applying for external funding
• have experience leading practice collaborations in the field – both in municipal and regional contexts, e.g., collaborations with hospitals
• participate in one or more research networks
• have broad experience in teaching.

In VIA's research and development activities we value not only the academic production of journal articles; we also prioritise the applicant's potential to contribute to the development of our education and practice.

Short about the Research Center for Leadership and Welfare Innovation

The research center has a social science profile and brings together most of VIA's cross-cutting research on leadership, diversity, minorities, citizens and professionals' use of technology and culture. In the research center we are interested in leadership in public and non-public organizations, technology in context, welfare innovation, co-creation, as well as the development of new cultural and aesthetic means in social and health-related work.

We use both qualitative and quantitative methods, and theories and analytical perspectives from different academic disciplines. The center conducts applied and practice-oriented research that strengthens VIA's education and creates value for practice.

The research center consists of about 40 seconded staff from basic and continuing education as well as a permanent team of research leaders and professors. Read more about the research center here.

Terms of employment

Employment is in accordance with the applicable agreement for external lecturers and part-time teachers at university colleges, Denmark's Media and Journalism College and business academies, etc., under the Ministry of Education and Research (Academic or CO 10/LC’s negotiation area depending on your educational background):

Circulation on the agreement for external lecturers and part-time teachers at university colleges, Denmark's Media and Journalism College, business academies and maritime educational institutions etc. under the Ministry of Education and Research (AC)

Circulation on the agreement for external lecturers and part-time teachers at university colleges, Denmark's Media and Journalism College and business academies etc. under the Ministry of Education and Research (CO10/LC)

To be placed on the correct agreement, please also enclose your educational certificate.

The position is temporary and runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2029. The position is 15 hours per week.

Your main place of work is Campus Aarhus N, but you should expect that activities may take place across the Central Denmark Region.

We hope you can start as soon as possible. The application deadline is 29 October 2026.

If you want to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact center director Holger Højlund, [email protected], 22352326.

VI is VIA

VIA is one of Denmark’s largest educational institutions with locations across the Central Denmark Region. We educate and further educate, among others, teachers, nurses, engineers, designers and many more. We develop education in close collaboration with practice. We are a workplace with flexibility, freedom and good opportunities for development. If you are curious about what it is like to work at VIA, you can read some of our stories here.

At VIA we value competence and talent in all its forms. We believe in the strength of diversity and welcome everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or background. We therefore encourage everyone to apply for the position and become part of an inclusive community.

Read more about VIA University College at www.via.dk

Read information about the use of personal data in connection with recruitment at this link: https://via.career.emply.com/persondatapolitik

Department: Research Center for Citizens and Society

Application deadline: 29 October 2026

Location: Hedeager 2 Adm, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark