We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated postdoc for a 4-years project. You will work on a project related to algorithmic fairness in cardiometabolic disease prediction and care at the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The successful candidate is expected to start on the 1st March 2024 (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 in the Algorithmic Fairness in Diabetes Prediction (ALFADIAB) research program, which is a 5-years 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 will investigate 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 will assess inequalities in cardiometabolic disease prediction, management, and care, and deploy AI techniques to develop improved predictive models that are equitable and perform equally well between subgroups.
You will be fully immersed in the ALFADIAB project and will be working with Associate Professor Tibor V. Varga on the various aspects of the project including the development of novel predictive models that will serve as a proof-of-concept for population-based, AI-driven prediction models of cardiometabolic diseases that are fair and explainable.
Your job
You will be starting in a newly formed research group, so both independent and group-based work will be expected. You will work closely with Associate Professor and Principal Investigator Tibor V. Varga. Your main responsibilities include data management, data analysis, method development, as well as manuscript preparation, and communication of research results to the scientific community (via publications, conference presentations, and alternative creative ways), as well as to relevant stakeholders. Over the course of the position, a certain amount of teaching/supervision is expected at the undergraduate or graduate levels. National and international research visits will be possible and encouraged.
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 an 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 experience with method development (e.g., in the form of developing R/Python packages or related tools)
Place of employment & What do we offer?
In contrast with shorter appointments, this 4-year postdoc position will offer a generous time window to deepen and widen your expertise in AI and health equity research.
The Department of Public Health hosts world-class researchers specializing in the cross-section of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, general practice, and global health. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, down-to-earth research environment with horizontal power structures. The Department is a vibrant, 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 and the position is fixed-term, limited to a period of 4 years. The starting time is 1 March 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/approx. 4,882 EUR (October 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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 2020.
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).
- CV including education, work/research experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position.
- 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.
- List of publications with the three most important contributions highlighted in a standalone section.
Deadline for applications: 29 October 2023 23:59 GMT +2
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/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
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.