PhD Fellow on Depression Project

The Department of Psychology at University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is looking for applicants for a PhD fellowship within the field of philosophy, with background in one or more of the following areas: philosophy of psychiatry, philosophy of emotion, phenomenology.

We are looking for a person with a relevant degree (M.A., MSc. etc.) in philosophy or a related field. Starting date is September 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is fully funded, full-time, for three years. The PhD degree will be awarded by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Research environment

The PhD student will be based in the research group of Applied and Interdisciplinary Phenomenology in the Department of Psychology, SDU, at the Odense campus. The research group develops, disseminates, and applies methods to support cutting-edge research into subjectivity and the nature of human experience. Current group members have backgrounds in philosophy, psychology, anthropology, neuroscience, environmental studies, and pain research.

The group directly supports the professional development of its members, most of whom are postdocs or PhD students. In addition to receiving support from the project team, the PhD student will be supported by the broader group to develop their research, presentation, and teaching skills, as well as other academic skills, including those required for organizing academic activities such as workshops and conferences and for successful grant-writing. The PhD student will therefore be provided with the requisite knowledge and skills for pursuing an academic career in Europe or abroad.

The PhD student will also be provided with a work computer and a dedicated workspace at the Department of Psychology.

Project description

The PhD student will be part of the project, Understanding Experiences of Mood Disturbances in Depression (DEPMOOD), led by Anthony Vincent Fernandez. The project is funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark and runs for four years, starting September 1st, 2026. The PhD student will join the project for the final three years, collaborating with the PI, a psychology postdoc, and several external partners in Europe and the US, including philosophers, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.

The aim of the project is to establish a taxonomy of the variety of mood disturbances experienced by people diagnosed with depression, providing more precise characterizations of symptoms than those currently offered by concepts such as “depressed mood” or “anhedonia”. The project combines philosophical and qualitative methods, and includes in-depth interviews with people diagnosed with depression. The PhD student will not be expected to carry out interviews, as these will be conducted by the postdoc and external project partners. The PhD student’s primary role will be to help analyze the interview data using a combination of qualitative and philosophical methods. Their PhD thesis will therefore be a theoretical contribution, but will build upon the project’s empirical dataset.

In addition to producing a thesis, the PhD student will be required to take a variety of short PhD courses, carry out an international research stay, and fulfil light teaching duties.

The PhD student will be provided with DKK 10,000 per year for travel. Additional funds may be available.

Qualifications

Before the start date of September 1st, 2027, the applicant should have a master’s degree in philosophy or a related field and total course credits equivalent to 300 ECTS. Typically, this is a total of at least five years of education combined between bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with 60 ECTS obtained for every full year of study.

The candidate should have a background in philosophy of psychiatry, philosophy of emotion, and/or phenomenology. Familiarity with qualitative research methods (especially analysis methods) is an advantage, but by no means required.

The candidate should be proficient in English. Proficiency in Danish or another Scandinavian language may be an advantage, but is not required.

For further information about the project, please contact:
Anthony Vincent Fernandez

Department of Psychology

University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

E-mail: [email protected]

Please note that while we are happy to provide answers to questions about the position and application process, direct feedback on application materials cannot be provided.

Applications must include (in English, or with a certified English translation):

1. A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) - upload under “Application form”.
2. Detailed CV, including personal contact information as well as any publications or presentations
3. Certified copy of diploma and transcripts (Master’s degree in a relevant field). If the applicant is in the process of completing their master’s degree, they should provide transcripts along with a letter from their supervisor confirming expected completion of their degree before September 1st, 2027.
4. Writing sample of maximum 10,000 words (e.g., publication, conference paper, selection from a master’s thesis). If the sample exceeds this length, please indicate which section should be read.
5. A document listing 2-3 references, with contact information and a brief note about your relation to the reference. Note that reference letters will only be requested for candidates invited to interview.
   
    

At this stage, no project proposal is required. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to prepare a brief project plan.

Please do not use generative AI in the formulation of any application materials. The purpose of these materials is to gain a clear sense of you and your abilities.

Shortlisting and interviews may be used in the assessment process.
 

For purposes of evaluation and assessment, application materials may be shared with external members of the project team at Aarhus University and Amsterdam University Medical Center.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now" (found in the full linked job posting). Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated

Closing date January 15th, 2027 (midnight CET)

We expect to conduct interviews within two months of the application closing date.
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)

Salary and Working Conditions at SDU

PhD students employed at SDU are employed as PhD fellows according to the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations in public employment (AC) agreement.

Salary and any salary supplement are paid according to your seniority level and as negotiated with your union representative. The base salary (excluding 18.07% pension contribution) is DKK 374,912.98 per year.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark is one of Denmark’s leading faculties of health sciences. With nine departments, internationally top‑class research, and a broad range of health‑related study programmes, we contribute to developing the knowledge, treatments, and healthcare system of the future.

As an employee at the faculty, you become part of an ambitious and interdisciplinary environment characterised by high academic standards, strong collaborations, and excellent opportunities for professional development. The faculty has activities in Odense, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen. In Esbjerg and Copenhagen, strong academic communities provide the framework for research and education, while our modern faculty building in Odense brings research, education, and administration together under one roof and is directly connected to Odense University Hospital.

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