Declaration of interest regarding PhD project on the long-term safety and benefits of ADHD medication in children and youth

The pharmacoepidemiology group at Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine (CPPEM), Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, is looking for applicants for a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship. The position is to be filled from June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of a newly funded research project aiming to understand long-term safety and beneficial effects of ADHD medication in children, adolescents and young adults as well geographical variation in access to support and diagnostic pathways.  

Research environment
The PhD position is hosted within the pharmacoepidemiology research group at Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, SDU. The PhD student will join an interdisciplinary and engaged research environment and supervisor team with expertise in pharmacoepidemiology, pediatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry. We combine clinical perspectives and data sources with advanced population-based research using nationwide health data to address key questions about utilization patterns, safety and benefits of ADHD medications in youth. Our group is collaborative, international, and dedicated to high scientific standards, while maintaining an open and informal atmosphere. We value curiosity, teamwork, and mutual support, and we take pride in creating a space where young researchers can develop their skills and thrive both scientifically and personally.

In daily work, the PhD student will report to medical doctor, PhD, Helene Kildegaard and professor Anton Pottegård, but he/she will also be expected to contribute to the whole research unit whose research areas span from pharmacoepidemiology to clinical studies, and cell-based basic pharmacology and environmental medicine.

Project description
ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in childhood and is characterized by persistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. The condition can lead to significant challenges at school, at home, and in social relationships. In Denmark, around 5% of children and young people currently receive medication for ADHD—a proportion that has increased markedly over the past decade. Although many experience improvement in their symptoms, we still know far too little about how these medications affect children and adolescents in the long term. In particular, there is limited knowledge about the benefits and risks of treatment in real-world settings outside the short, controlled framework of clinical trials.

In this project, we will combine Danish and Norwegian health registers with school data, clinical assessments of symptoms, and information on municipal services. We will analyze how ADHD medication affects the risk of serious adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, substance misuse, and impaired growth. At the same time, we will examine how medication influences children’s schooling, well-being, and symptom levels. Finally, we will map how access to non-pharmacological support—such as parent training and school-based assistance—varies across the country. The project will generate new knowledge about how ADHD medication works in real-life settings and will provide a stronger basis for decision-making for families, professionals, and policymakers.

Qualifications

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious candidate with:
•    A Master’s degree (MD, MSc, or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Epidemiology, or a related discipline
•    Strong interest in epidemiological methods, data analysis, and coding (e.g., R, Stata, or similar)
•    Interest in children’s health or child and adolescent psychiatry 
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
•    Excellent communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English
•    Previous research experience e.g. as an author or co-author of an article in a peer-reviewed international journal or of a published abstract from an international scientific conference, or have worked as research assistant full time for at least 6 months (after completing your masters degree).
Prior experience with register-based research is an advantage but not required.

For further information about the project, please contact:
Helene Kildegaard
Department of Public Health
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
E-mail: hckildegaard@health.sdu.dk

Applications must include:

• At letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) - upload under “Application form”.
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and 
• Certified copy of diploma (Master’s degree in a relevant field)

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Interviews can be performed online if needed but physical interviews are preferred.

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". 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. This also applies to reference letters.

Closing date 15 March 2025

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)

The terms of employment as a salaried PhD Research Fellow are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

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