PhD Stipends in Volitional Personality Change – Narrative Identity and Youth Mental Health Aalborg University in Denmark

The Department of Communication and Psychology at Aalborg University invites applications for one or more PhD stipends in Volitional Personality Change, with appointments beginning September 1st, 2026. These full-time, fixed-term positions are part of the research program “Can I Choose to Change Who I Am?” funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, focusing on the role of volitional personality change in youth mental health.

The research addresses the increasing motivation among young people to actively change aspects of their personality, challenging traditional views of personality stability. Contemporary theory and empirical research suggest that personality traits and narrative identity can be modified through intentional efforts. The project will examine whether narrative identity is amenable to both short- and long-term volitional change in young adults, and will involve developing and evaluating interventions aimed at fostering greater agency in how young people construct and interpret their life stories. The research will assess whether increases in narrative agency are associated with improved psychosocial functioning and reduced symptoms of psychopathology, with both immediate and longer-term effects considered. Interventions may be implemented in vulnerable populations or broader community samples, depending on the candidate’s project focus.

PhD candidates are expected to develop strong competencies in quantitative research methods, including advanced statistical analyses. Prior experience with these methods is advantageous, but motivation to acquire them is essential. A strong interest in personality psychology and clinical psychology is required. Teaching responsibilities include planning, delivering, and evaluating teaching within defined subject areas, assessing teaching quality, and engaging in pedagogical development. Experience with teaching and supervision, documented through positive student evaluations, is preferred. Knowledge of examination formats and the ability to collaborate with co-examiners and external examiners is required.

PhD students will develop and complete a thesis at international research standards, produce peer-reviewed research outputs, and actively disseminate their findings to academic and broader audiences. Engagement in research environments beyond Aalborg University, such as research stays at other institutions, is encouraged. Candidates should build knowledge of external research funding opportunities and strategies as part of their academic development.

Aalborg University applies a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. Documented experience with PBL is an advantage; candidates without such experience must complete a PBL training course within the first year. Applicants must have the academic qualifications necessary for teaching, supervision, and examination within the Psychology programme, and experience with academic/scientific work and project-based learning.

Qualification requirements include holding a Master's degree for standard PhD stipends or enrollment in a relevant Master's programme for integrated PhD stipends. Minimum grade 10 in the Danish grading system (or equivalent) for the Master's thesis/final exam is required. English proficiency must be documented for non-native speakers or those without an English-based Master's degree (IELTS band score 7, TOEFL paper-based 600, internet-based 100, test no more than five years old).

Funding for integrated PhD stipends includes SU-PhD Grants (DKK 7,426 per month, 2026 level) for up to two years during Master's enrollment, followed by two years as a PhD fellow under the collective agreement. Standard PhD stipends are for three years. The position is funded by the Carlsberg Foundation.

Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University's recruitment system. Required documents include a statement of motivation and qualifications, CV, diplomas or transcripts, and a project description (minimum 5 pages). For further information, contact Majse Lind ([email protected]) or Lene Møller ([email protected]).

Aalborg University is an international workplace with campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen, offering real-world-oriented education and world-class research. Diversity is a core value, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.