Do you have a passion for genetics and a drive to uncover the genetic underpinnings of complex traits and diseases? We are seeking a curious and motivated postdoctoral researcher in statistical genetics to join the Pioneer Centre for SMARTbiomed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University.

The position is for 2.5 years, starting on September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The aim of this project is to advance the development of multi-trait Bayesian linear regression models that enable the sharing of genomic information across traits and biological layers, thereby increasing power to detect regulatory and functional genomic mechanisms involved in complex traits and diseases.

We are looking for a talented bioinformatician or statistical geneticist to develop integrative methods that combine health records, molecular phenotypes, and genetic data to explore disease aetiology. This position is part of the Pioneer Centre for SMARTbiomed, a national research initiative that unites leading researchers across Denmark and the University of Oxford (UK) to advance data-driven precision medicine by integrating large-scale register, clinical, and multi-omics data. This collaboration fosters a strong interdisciplinary environment across institutions, leveraging complementary expertise in statistical genetics, biomedical data integration, and computational method development.

The successful candidate will work closely with Senior Scientist Peter Sørensen from the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Associate Professor Palle Duun Rohde from the Genomic Medicine research group at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, and Professor Bjarni Jóhann Vilhjálmsson from the National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University.
The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with both clinicians and computational researchers to develop and apply novel methods for understanding the biology of brain disorders and/or cardiometabolic conditions. The position also includes exciting opportunities for international collaboration, including research visits to the University of Oxford and the University of Copenhagen.
 

Academic and personal qualifications

A PhD in data science, statistical genetics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, computer science, or closely related fields (required).

• Experience with large-scale health data, such as electronic health records or biobank-scale resources (e.g., UK Biobank, All-of-Us, FinnGen).
• Familiarity with machine learning approaches, such as penalised regression, deep learning, or ensemble models (e.g., XGboost).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as R, Python, or C++ (or similar).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both computational and clinical research communities.
• A high level of scientific curiosity and creativity, with a drive to explore and solve complex research problems.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and to take ownership of the projects throughout the full research cycle - from concept development to publication and dissemination.
• Fluency in spoken and written English (working language of the group)

We offer

• An exciting and intellectually stimulating position in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• An informal and supportive research atmosphere within a highly international research team.
• Access to a global network of experienced collaborators and colleagues, providing high-quality feedback and scientific exchange.
• A high degree of autonomy and involvement in study designs, data analysis, and method development – your ideas and contributions will be welcomed at all stages of the research process. 
• Individualized training, supervision, and mentorship tailored to your development needs.
• Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and relevant courses to support your professional growth.

About QGG

QGG - the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics is a vibrant and innovative interdisciplinary center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics (http://www.qgg.au.dk/en). We perform basic and applied research within plant, livestock and human quantitative genetics. Our focus areas include quantitative genetics, artificial intelligence applied to agriculture and precision medicine, population genetics, and integrative genomics. QGG is located at the central campus in Aarhus and at the AU Flakkebjerg campus in newly renovated offices with well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, and high-performing computing clusters.


About the Pioneer Centre

The Pioneer Centre for SMARTBiomed (Statistical and Computational Methods for Advanced Research to Transform Biomedicine) is a national research initiative aimed at developing innovative methods and software for analysing large-scale human biomedical data. Anchored at the National Centre for Register-based Research at Aarhus University, with hub sites at Copenhagen University and the University of Oxford, the Centre brings together leading researchers in statistical genetics, machine learning, and biomedical data science.
Directed by Professor Naomi Wray (Oxford University), SMARTBiomed focuses on three core themes: causal inference, risk prediction, and machine learning, applied to complex traits and diseases, particularly in cardiometabolic, brain, and reproductive health. The Centre integrates emerging big data types - such as multi-omics, longitudinal health records, and clinical imaging - to drive translational insights in precision medicine.
SMARTBiomed is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Lundbeck Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, and Villum Foundation, with long-term support through 2035.


Place of work

The place of work is C. F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus (Denmark), and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.  

Further information

Contact person: Peter Sørensen, Senior Scientist, Email: pso@qgg.au.dk
 


Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.


Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk


Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
 


Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/