Postdoc in Risk Assessment

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a 3-year fixed-term position, starting 1 June 2026 or after agreement, in the Epidemiology and Disease Control research group at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group comprising subgroups focused on: Vector-borne diseases; Ecological disease control; Epidemiology and risk assessment; and Computational and statistical methodologies for disease systems

Our group conducts research in epidemiology and disease control, contributes to teaching in veterinary epidemiology, and supports veterinary contingency planning through risk assessments for the veterinary authorities..

For more information about the research group, please visit: https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/animal-health-and-welfare/epidemiology-and-disease-control.

Your job description

The postdoc’s responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research in veterinary epidemiology and risk assessment
• Contributing to teaching activities
• Supporting veterinary contingency planning

Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

We regularly provide research-based public sector advisory services to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, particularly in the context of veterinary contingency planning. This includes risk assessments and modelling of infectious diseases, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. You will play a central role in addressing these and related emerging animal health issues.

We are also actively involved in the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (https://eupahw.eu/), and participation in this and similar projects is expected.

Collaboration is a key part of our work—within the department, across UCPH sections, and with external stakeholders including Danish farmers. Therefore, strong communication skills in both written and spoken English and Danish are essential. However, foreign applicants are encouraged to apply, even if Danish proficiency is not yet acquired.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ivh.ku.dk/english/ .

Inquiries about the position can be directed to head of the research group, Søren Saxmose Nielsen, saxmose@sund.ku.dk

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in veterinary epidemiology or a similar discipline
• You are experienced in working with risk assessments related to animal health, and you are familiar with animal health legislation in Denmark and in EU, and you have working knowledge on the relevant Danish databases relevant to animal health, especially the Central Husbandry Registry
• You have an interest in transdisciplinary work, especially related to the risk assessment process and can serve as project manager in risk assessments
• You have proficient communication skills
• You have good people skills and are a strong team player able to work in groups
• You have excellent written and spoken Danish and English skills
• Desirable experience and skills:
• You can analyse observational epidemiological data using tools such as general linear models
• You are familiar with the main types of animal production systems in Denmark
• You have experience with international risk assessment processes in animal health.

The position is open from 1 June 2026, or after agreement.

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 2025.

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

Deadline for applications: Sunday 1 February 2026, 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  ompleted 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.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

Interviews are expected to be held from week 9 and 10, 2026.
 

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, independent on their background.