Postdoc in Epidemiology and Economics of Agricultural Transitions

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a 3-year postdoctoral research position to assess the epidemiological and economic consequences of changing agricultural landscapes. The project will explore how transitions such as land use changes and the shift toward business-oriented livestock production systems impact animal health and welfare, and economic outcomes. A central focus will be understanding how farmer behavior influences agricultural transitions. The successful candidate will lead an integrated analysis and develop structured frameworks and modeling tools to systematically assess these impacts. This work will support the design of effective surveillance strategies, guide agricultural and health policy, and promote sustainable solutions for the livestock industry in Denmark. The role involves methodological innovation, particularly the design and application of transfer learning techniques and machine learning models (including simulation models) to assess disease risks alongside cost-benefit outcomes. These models will be validated using national-scale datasets, ensuring their robustness and relevance for policy application. The researcher will also collaborate with stakeholders—including veterinary public health authorities, private farmer organizations, economists, and agricultural experts—to ensure the outputs are aligned with the needs of decision-makers and support evidence-based strategies across sectors. Other tasks may arise during the appointment!

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/animal-welfare-and-disease-control

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Beate Conrady - TEL: 35322309

The position is open from 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will be part of the Research group “Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Animal Health Economics (TIPTON)”, in the Section: Animal Health and Welfare, at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Required qualifications and selection criteria

The applicant should hold the professional as well as personal skills and qualifications stated below:

• A completed PhD degree in epidemiology, environmental, agricultural, health economics, environmental economics, animal science, veterinary medicine or a related field
• Strong programming skills in R and other languages including working with big and complex datasets
• Strong data management skills
• Knowledge in Environmental Health related to animal production and associated sustainable transformation processes including environmental regulation at the EU and national level
• Experience with animal health, environmental, climate and economic data
• Experience with epidemiological and economic models

• Good communication skills in English (both oral and written)
• Good collaboration skills and ability to work within a team

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 1 September 2025, 23:59 CEST.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held in October 2025.