Research assistant in evidence-based medicine

Cochrane Denmark and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a one year position as a research assistant with the possibility of extension to a subsequent three year position as a PhD Student.

Cochrane Denmark and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense, SDU

Cochrane Denmark (formerly the Nordic Cochrane Centre) and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense

function as a joint research unit at the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark

(SDU). Cochrane Denmark conducts research relevant for systematic reviews, promotes Cochrane, and supports authors of Cochrane Reviews in Denmark. The Centre for Evidence Based Medicine

Odense (CEBMO) conducts research, teaches, and provides a methodological consultancy service. 

Cochrane Denmark and Centre for Evidence Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) is located at University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. The centre houses the secretariat of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group, which advises the Cochrane collaboration on bias in randomized trials and systematic reviews.

The centre’s main research topics are analysis of risk of bias in trials, reporting guidelines, conflicts of interest, medical devices, medical screening, and de-implementation. The centre is responsible for a pre-graduate course in evidence-based medicine for medical students, and postgraduate courses (e.g., PhD courses). Furthermore, the centre runs a methodological consultancy service for clinical researchers, e.g., when conducting systematic reviews, and we are expanding our role and involvement with the new Clinical Trials Unit at Odense University Hospital.

The position

The position involves research (50%), teaching (40%), and administration (10%).

We expect you to have a relevant master’s degree or being close to attaining one, as well as a keen interest in evidence-based medicine and clinical research methodology. Please include in the application a publication list, and copies of up to five core publications. However, having published is not a requirement to apply for this position.

The position involves primarily working on a research project developing:

1. Protocols for two systematic reviews
2. Protocols for three information studies.

The two protocols will be for Cochrane reviews investigating the effects of blood-based genetic testing to screen for multiple cancers; and whole-body CT/MRI-scans to screen for multiple conditions. The three information studies will explore how these tests are portrayed on web sites from purveyors of these tests and assess if they contain information that is in accordance with the evidence base, as well as if they enable informed choice by providing balanced information regarding the benefits, limitations, and harms of these tests. 

The protocols for the Cochrane reviews will be peer-reviewed prior to publication, indexed as publications in PubMed, and appear on your CV as peer-reviewed papers. 

This position may potentially be extended to complete these five research projects as a PhD-project.

The position is temporary and is available from August 1, 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and for one year, e.g. to July 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension to a subsequent 3-year PhD position.

Expectations of qualifications

The applicant will be expected to have

• a Master’s degree at the time the position starts.
• Research experience within evidence-based medicine or a keen interest in the field.
• Research experience within medical screening and informed choice or a keen interest in the field

Further information 

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Karsten Juhl Jørgensen, e-mail kj@cochrane.dk, telephone: 45 31 21 10 35 or Professor/Head of Centre Asbjørn Hróbjartsson, ahrobjartsson@health.sdu.dk, telephone: 45 24 79 25 53.

Application deadline

June 1, 2025, at 23.59 hrs. (CEST).

Salary and terms of employment

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by an expert committee at our research centre. Based on their assessment, interviews will be conducted and Professor Karsten Juhl Jørgensen will make a decision as to who gets the position.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• a motivation letter
• a detailed CV
• degree certificates (inclusive of master’s degree)
• an explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application. 

Incomplete applications with regards to the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted. 

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

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. 

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. 

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