Postdoc in Intimate Partner Violence Conceptualization and Measurement

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2,5-year position (with possible extension) in romantic relationships, intimate partner violence, and (mental) health. The start date is 1 August 2024, or after agreement.

The postdoc
Information on the department can be found at: https://ifsv.ku.dk/

Our research
The Self, Health, and Romantic Processes (SHaRP) group seeks to examine how relational factors impact mental health and health behaviors. We recently received grant funding to develop a better understanding of perceptions of IPV as well as the intra-personal and interpersonal factors that lead people to become violent in their romantic relationships (see description below). Data suggests that up to 28% of Danish women and 12% of Danish men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lives, and international data suggests that the numbers might be even higher; it is internationally acknowledged that these numbers likely underestimate the prevalence of IPV, depending on how IPV was measured. The research and clinical practice literature is wrought with inconsistencies regarding definitions and measurement of IPV, and lay persons’ perceptions of what is IPV are even less clear.

The project is a collaboration between Camilla S. Øverup, associate professor of medical psychology at Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, and Angelo M. DiBello, assistant professor at the Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies and the Applied Department of Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, USA. In addition to us, the team will consist of a part-time student assistant, a phd student, and the postdoc.

Your job
You will be part of multiple ongoing projects that are all centered around intimate partner violence conceptualization and measurement, from both an expert and a lay-person perspective. The work will include 1) a (qualitative) focus group study that will be used to explore lay person understanding of what IPV is as well as when and what is it not IPV (e.g., does it vary by type of violence, frequency of violence, gender of victim/perpetrator), and 2) a quantitative normative documentation study that will be used to assess the extent to which individuals view certain violent behaviors as normative, given the relationship and situational context.

You will aid in study planning, participant recruitment, data collection and (qualitative) analysis, and manuscript writing. It will also be possible to get experience with grant writing, as well as (quantitative and/or qualitative) data analysis. These tasks will be executed in collaboration with and under mentorship of Camilla S. Øverup and Angelo M. DiBello. As part of the position, you may also be required to teach within the course offerings covered by the Section of Environmental Health.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in psychology, sociology, public health, or related field.
• You are highly experienced in academic writing, as demonstrated by scientific publications
• You have an active interest in research and policy around romantic relationships and/or intimate partner violence
• You have a thorough understanding of data analyses, with demonstrated statistical data analysis OR qualitative data analysis experience.
• Proficient communication skills, particularly excellent English skills written and spoken
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and multi-national teams, but also to work independently

Desirable experience and skills:

• Danish language proficiency
• Experience in grant writing

Place of employment
The place of employment is within the SHaRP Group at the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. We are located at the historic ‘Kommunehospital’, in the center of Copenhagen (near Nørreport Station). Our facilities include spacious and sunlit offices and a local-use tea-kitchen, with a state-of-the-art coffee machine.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2,5 years (with possible extension). The starting date is negotiable, but we anticipate 1 August 2024.

Salary, pension, and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organization. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,000 DKK/approx.  4,800 EUR (October 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Camilla S. Øverup [Camilla.oeverup@sund.ku.dk]

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Cover letter/motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.
5. Up to 3 writing samples that demonstrate the applicant’s academic/scientific writing.

Deadline for applications: 1 May 2024, 23.59pm CET
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
The hiring committee consists of Camilla S. Øverup and Angelo M. DiBello.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.