Copenhagen Health Complexity Center Department of Public Health Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated postdoc for a 2-years project. You will work on a project related to algorithmic fairness in cardiometabolic disease prediction and care at the Copenhagen Health Complexity Center, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The successful candidate is expected to start on the 1st March, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Information on the department can be found at:
https://publichealth.ku.dk/ The position and the project You will work at the Copenhagen Health Complexity Center, embedded in the Algorithmic Fairness in Diabetes Prediction (ALFADIAB) research program, which is a 5-year project (2023-2028) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The vision of ALFADIAB is a society where access to healthcare and quality of care do not depend on ethnicity, race, sex, or wealth. In this research program, we are investigating whether established risk prediction models, that are used to forecast which individuals are at high risk of cardiometabolic diseases, are underperforming for minorities and those with lower socioeconomic status. Using Danish registry-based data on millions of people and various external datasets, we are assessing inequalities in cardiometabolic disease prediction, management, and care, and aiming to deploy AI techniques to develop improved predictive models that are equitable and perform equally well between subgroups.
Your job A key aim of this project, which will be the hired postdoc’s responsibility, is the development of novel predictive models using Danish registry-based data that will serve as a proof-of-concept for population-based, AI-driven prediction models of cardiometabolic diseases that are fair and explainable. The postdoc’s main responsibilities include data management, data analysis, as well as manuscript preparation, and communication of research results to the scientific community (via publications, conference presentations, and alternative ways), as well as to relevant stakeholders, within the above-mentioned scope. Both independent and collaborative work are expected. Over the course of the position, a certain amount of teaching/supervision is expected at the undergraduate or graduate levels.
Who are we looking for? We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Essential experience and skills:
- You have a PhD in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or related disciplines
- You are highly experienced in working with high-dimensional large datasets, and have advanced skills in statistical programming (preferably in R/Python)
- You have an active interest in AI and are familiar with state-of-the-art AI methods
- You have proficient communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in teams
- You have excellent written and spoken English skills
- You are a respectful and inclusive person.
Desirable experience and skills (these are not requirements, but demonstrating them is a plus):
- You have worked with registry-based data
- You have an interest in public health complexity
Our Research Environment The Copenhagen Health Complexity Center is a newly established interdisciplinary research center funded by Trygfonden. It is led by Director Prof. Naja Hulvej Rod and Deputy Director Associate Professor Tibor V. Varga, who will be the line manager for the postdoc. The Center currently comprises around 20 academic staff on various topics related to public health complexity, young adult health, and health inequalities. The Center is part of the Department of Public Health, which hosts world-class researchers specializing in the cross-section of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, general practice, and global health. The Department is an inclusive workplace hosting a large group of faculty, postdocs, and PhD students. The research of the Department covers a wide range of topics and methodologies, and has an international work environment. The CSS campus is located in the inner city of Copenhagen, close to Nørreport metro station and other means of transportation. Copenhagen is one of the most livable cities in the world, known for its incredible food and vibrant music scene.
Terms of employment The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,237 DKK/approx. 5,266 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
Questions For further information please contact Tibor V. Varga (
Tibor.Varga@sund.ku.dk)
; https://publichealth.ku.dk/staff/?pure=en/persons/578511 Foreign applicants may find this link useful:
www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
Application procedure Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. two pages);
- Narrative CV;
- List of publications with the three most important contributions highlighted in a standalone section;
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
Deadline for applications: 4th January 2026, 23.59pm CET We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ Interviews are expected to be held in week 5.
University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.