PhD Research Fellow in Mental Health and Health Services Research

Location: Levanger, Norway

At Nord University, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FSH), there is a vacant position as a PhD Research Fellow in the project: “ADHD in a life-course perspective: Differences in detection, treatment and serious health outcomes depending on gender, socioeconomic status and place of residence.”

The employment period is either 100% for three years, or four years with 75% PhD work and 25% teaching or other career-promoting duties. The position is located in Levanger, Norway. The person appointed is expected to be present at the workplace. Working at other Nord University campuses may also be relevant.

We are looking for qualified and motivated applicants and offer personal development in mental health, research methodology, and health service research in a stimulating academic environment.

Project Background

There is an ongoing public debate concerning the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults. ADHD is diagnosed several years later in girls than in boys, which can lead to unnecessary suffering, misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and functional impairment. Between 2020 and 2022, ADHD medication use doubled among young women, and after 2022 more women than men aged 18–39 were prescribed ADHD medications. Women with ADHD have higher rates of anxiety and depression, lower educational attainment, increased somatic morbidity, and a greater reduction in life expectancy compared to men with ADHD. There is still a lack of knowledge on how health services can collaborate to ensure earlier detection and more effective treatment of ADHD in women.

The project addresses a clear knowledge gap, and the research will be both patient-oriented and focused on collaboration within the health services. Both health registries (two studies) and focus group interviews (one study) will be used to study personal experiences, gender disparities, and quality of health services for adults with ADHD. The project will collaborate closely with, and utilize existing linked data from, Regforsk at NTNU. Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia is also a project partner.

The project and PhD candidate will be part of the research group “Health Services and Public Health” at FSH.

Supervisors:

• Professor Ottar Bjerkeset, Nord University
• Associate Professor Ivana Bojanic, Nord University
• Professor Johan H. Bjørngaard, NTNU

Employment requires application and admission to the PhD programme in Professional Studies at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences. More information: PhD in Professional Studies (nord.no). In collaboration with the supervisors, the candidate will develop a final project description within the project framework during the first three months of employment.

The scientific articles and the dissertation must be written in English.

As a PhD Research Fellow, you will:

• Participate in a structured programme with PhD courses, article writing, and scientific conferences and seminars
• Have the opportunity for research stays at international universities
• Receive supervision and support from experienced supervisors and researchers
• Participate in regular meetings of the research group “Health Services and Public Health,” with opportunities to present and discuss your research

Qualification requirements

• A master’s degree in a relevant field is required
• Normally a minimum average grade of B at the master’s level
• Documentation that all requirements for admission to the PhD programme in Professional Studies at Nord University are met
• Admission to the faculty’s PhD programme is a prerequisite. The final project proposal must be approved within 3 months after employment
• Good English skills are required, both written and oral

It is a great advantage, but not an absolute requirement, to understand and speak Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language).

Candidates who already hold a PhD degree will not be considered.

In the assessment of qualified applicants, emphasis will be placed on

• The theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s thesis
• The applicant’s description of motivation and ability to complete the PhD
• Relevant research experience and publications
• Clinical experience within mental health and competence in quantitative methods are an advantage
• Ability to work independently, purposefully, and systematically
• Personal suitability

We offer

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale, code 1017, NOK 550,800. Higher salary may be considered for particularly qualified applicants. Statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund apply.

• Good loan, insurance and pension schemes
• A creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace in continuous development
• Flexible working hours
• Active sports association
• Weekly exercise hour during working hours
• Beautiful nature close to the workplace

Contact persons

For more information, please contact:

• Head of academic group Ingunn Skjesol, e-mail: ingunn.skjesol@nord.no tel: +47 74 21 23 29
• Professor/project leader Ottar Bjerkeset, e-mail: ottar.bjerkeset@nord.no tel: +47 74 02 26 47, mobile: +47 920 14 159
• Professor/Head of Regforsk Johan H. Bjørngaard, e-mail: johan.h.bjorngaard@ntnu.no mobile: +47 922 42 734

Application process

Application deadline: 9 April 2026

The electronic application must include:

• Application letter describing your motivation for applying
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience, and overview of publications)
• Copies of diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and relevant certificates
• Applicants with education from outside Scandinavia, with diplomas issued in a language other than English, must attach certified diplomas in both the original language and authorised English translations
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT recognition of their master’s degree
• Copy of the master’s thesis
• Names and contact information of 2–3 referees (name, relationship, email and phone number)
• Other relevant activities to be considered

All documentation must be uploaded as electronic attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit complete documentation by the deadline.