The University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship within the research areas of neighborhood effects, child development, and behavior genetics. The position, hosted within the Department of Psychology, is open to applicants from all fields, including but not limited to psychology, economics, epidemiology, public health, and other social sciences.

The position will initially be for 1 year, with a second year of funding available upon satisfactory progress. The desired starting date is as soon as possible. 

The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and led by Associate Professor Steven Ludeke, and the postdoc will be co-supervised by Steven Ludeke and Professor Kirsten Kaya Roessler. 

The position and the project

The project uses Denmark’s distinctively rich registry data, exploring a range of life outcomes throughout early development on the full Danish population (including on crucial subsets such as adoptees). We seek to use quantitative behavior genetic methods to explore the association between neighborhood characteristics and various developmental outcomes. Outcomes we will explore include education, conduct problems, and mental health, though expertise in these areas is not required for applicants. 

The position will involve primary responsibility for data organization and statistical analysis, as well as co-authorship of scientific articles. Teaching is not required as part of this position. Daily work will be conducted in English, and familiarity with Danish is not necessary.

Required qualifications

• PhD in pertinent field within the social or health sciences, including but not limited to psychology, economics, epidemiology, public health, political science, and sociology. Highly qualified ABD applicants should contact Steven Ludeke to discuss their expected degree timeline. 
• Highly proficient in at least one statistical programming language (e.g., R, Stata, SAS, Python). Candidates that can show an aptitude for learning new coding languages will be preferred.
• Proficiency with advanced statistical analysis techniques, demonstrated through mastery of one or more of complex modelling techniques (e.g., multilevel models, fixed effects models, mixed effects models, or GLM [Generalized Linear Models]).
• A strong record of international publications commensurate with the applicant’s field and level of experience.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Additional desirable qualifications

• Some experience with 'Big Data' or another complex data organization project will be preferred but not required if advanced coding skills can be demonstrated in other ways.

We offer

• The opportunity to collaborate on high-impact, multi-disciplinary research using distinctively potent data.
• Flexibility in planning working hours and significant (though not totally) locational flexibility.
• Advanced professional training opportunities.
• Participation in international conferences.
• Postdoc salary according to Danish collective bargaining, which is primarily based on years of experience and is very competitive internationally.

Further information

For questions regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Steven Ludeke (lud@health.sdu.dk).

Application deadline

June 5, 2025, 2025, at 23.59 hrs CEST

Salary

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

Application 

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. 

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

• A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) 
• A detailed CV, including personal contact information 
• A complete and numbered list of publications 
• Degree certificates (including documentation of PhD degree) 
• Up to 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position.  
• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy 
• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work 

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

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

Incomplete applications will not be assessed. 

Applications may be shortlisted. 

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.  Read about working in Denmark (Danish rules and guidelines) here

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