Postdoctoral Fellowship Position in Biostatistics

University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 28 Aug 2022

The Department of Public Health at University of Copenhagen, Denmark offers a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biostatistics. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2022 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Job Description
We invite highly qualified, thorough and motivated applicants to apply for the positions. The postdoc will be involved in the project listed below as well as participating in the daily duties of the Department.

The project will focus on a project in biostatistics and data science, surrounded by two subprojects (establishment of a relevant database of equine radiographs, and dissemination and integration of experiences and knowledge from the project in the veterinary curriculum). The project aims to develop AI methods and software that replicates or assists procedures that are routinely carried out manually by veterinary radiologists during interpretation of x-rays.  The PostDoc will work on three overarching topics and is encouraged and expected to drive the ideas and solutions within these three topics:

  • Preliminary quality assessment of X-ray images. The purpose is to replicate the human process of screening an x-ray for diagnostic quality. Image quality may be marred for several reasons and we will use the newly acquired dataset to train an algorithm to immediately recognize if images are of diagnostic quality. By integrating AI technologies at the time of data collection the hope is to improve the quality of the medical images by immediately prompting the clinician to obtain a new x-ray if needed. Also, this allows us to quantify the effect of using AI tools to improve quality of data further in the data pipeline.
  • Feature extraction. The starting point for this topic will be to apply AI technology based on deep-learning convolutional neural networks for classification and localization of the particular osteochondral fragments. The trained algorithm is then combined with a statistical approach that extracts a score reflecting the likelihood of a structure (osteochondral fragment or other type of pathology) being present in the recorded image. Methods for evaluating the added predictive value of a new method or procedure are currently heavily debated in the statistical literature. We will develop standards for proper assessment of the added benefit of implementing new procedures based on AI technologies in veterinary and human diagnostic imaging.
  • Identification and quantification of structures. Due to the relatively low inter- and intra-observer agreement with regards to manual identification of osteochondral fragments, automated software solutions that can improve robustness and consistency are required. This topic will focus on the benefits of using AI technologies to identify specific osteochondral fragments. The potential for improving the precision of the quantification of anatomical structures partly lies in the fact that automated software (as opposed to the radiologist) will not be limited to using one particular contrast/visual perception of the image and methods that use this information need to be developed. The method can use all possible contrasts when analyzing the x-ray in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy by the algorithm.

    • The successful candidate will be responsible for sophisticated statistical analyses of complex data. The specific tasks will include:

    • development of methods for statistical analysis of image analysis
    • publication in international peer-reviewed journals
    • presentation of findings at professional meetings

    The postdoctoral fellow will also be encouraged and mentored to develop new proposals and research initiatives to support additional research. Exchange stays with collaborating research centers in other countries will be optional. Over the course of the position, opportunities to teach at either the graduate or undergraduate level exist.

    Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Statistics/Biostatistics, or similar disciplines. Candidates must have excellent skills in quantitative analysis. Data analysis and experience in e.g., SAS, Stata and R would be an asset. In addition, candidates should have strong English, scientific writing and oral communications skills, as well as the ability to work independently, effectively and collaboratively.

    About us
    The Department of Public Health is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Science at the University of Copenhagen. The department has more than 300 employees divided on 8 sections. We are a diverse and exciting workplace and it is important to us that you are given the opportunity to grow, both on a professionally and personal level during your time with us. We are located at the Center for Society and Health, just a few minutes’ walk from Nørreport station. More information about Department of Public Health can be found at our website http://publichealth.ku.dk . Section of Biostatistics conducts general biostatistical research and methodological development in biostatistics, undertakes teaching of students at various educations, undergraduate as well as postgraduate, and offers biostatistical advice to staff and students in all disciplines of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    Denmark offers unique opportunities for biostatistical research, but also very attractive tax-benefits for foreign researchers. Furthermore, Danes are considered to be among the happiest people in the world and Copenhagen is a wonderful place to live, full of cultural activities, hygge (coziness), green areas and great opportunities to bike and walk safely. Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC or other relevant professional organizations. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

    We offer

    • Independent research at high international level
    • Dedicated colleagues
    • Good social environment with a casual atmosphere
    • Flexible working hours

    Terms of employment
    The average weekly working hours are 37hours per week and the position is fixed-term, limited to a period of 2 years.

    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 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 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
    More information about the positions is available by contacting Dr. Esben Budtz-Jørgensen, Section of Biostatistics [email protected]

    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. one page).
  • CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for 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.

    • Deadline for applications: 28 August 2022, 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 https://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.

    Interviews are expected to be held in week 38

    The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.


    Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.


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