Postdoctoral fellowships in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, precision health or related fields

 

We are looking to hire up to two highly motivated and dynamic researchers with a PhD or equivalent doctorate to join the Loos Group. Candidates should have a strong background in genetic epidemiology, epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning or a related field and have an interest in obesity, metabolism and precision health. The position is a 2-year position to start September 1, 2021 or after agreement.

 

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research’s vision is to strengthen interdisciplinary research that transforms our basic understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge towards new prevention and treatment strategies. We were established in 2010, and in 2017, we moved into new laboratories, offices and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower www.maersktower.ku.dk.

The Center has around 260 employees who work in an international, highly collaborative research environment across a range of biomedical disciplines. You can read more about us here: www.cbmr.ku.dk.

 

Our group and research

The Loos Group aims to identify the key genetic and non-genetic determinants of body weight regulation to gain insight into the deeper layers of biology that underlie obesity and metabolism. Additionally, we aim to improve prediction, prevention and treatment through implementation of precision health strategies. You can read more about the Loos Group here.

 

Your job

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on one or more of the following projects:

In the first project, we aim to gain insight into the deeper layers of biology that underlie body weight regulation and fat distribution. We do this through the discovery of genes and genetic variations that are associated with obesity and other adiposity traits.

      This project requires expertise in genetic association analyses. Knowledge of bioinformatic tools to translate variant-to-function is an asset.

In the second project, we aim to determine the genetic and non-genetic determinants of body weight through deep-phenotyping of individuals at high vs. low genetic risk for obesity in recall-by-genotype studies.

      This project requires insight into the role of rare genetic variations in obesity. Experience in epidemiology and knowledge of deep physiological phenotyping are assets.

In the third project, we will build a precision health cohort to identify key predictors of individuals’ metabolic responses to diet and exercise, in an effort to improve precision of lifestyle recommendations for optimal health.

      This project requires experience with wearable, mobile and sensor technologies and expertise in generating and integrating multi-modal data to better understand complex disease.

 

Profile

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers who, in addition to the desired expertise stated above, have the following skills and qualifications:

• PhD in genetic epidemiology, epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning or a related field
• Strong computational background and expertise in dealing with large (genomic) data sets
• Extensive experience with analysing data, interpreting results, and concisely summarizing key messages
• An active interest in obesity, metabolism, nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle and precision health
• Interest in conceiving and designing new projects, in line with the group’s research focus
• Proven track record showing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in supervising other researchers at different levels
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken

 

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

 

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is September 1, 2021 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” from June 28, 2013.

 

Questions
For further information, please contact Professor Ruth Loos at ruth.loos@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at SUND-HR-CBMR@sund.ku.dk.

International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/ . 

 

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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. 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.
4. List of publications

 

Application deadline: 30 June, 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.

 

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

 

APPLY NOW

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.

Info

Application deadline: 30-06-2021

Employment start: 01-09-2021

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research

Postdoc in Bionic Vision at Department of Neuroscience

 

We are looking for an excellent scientist (MD/PhD or PhD) with a high potential for developing an internationally recognized research agenda in neuroscience focused on the development of the next generation bionic cortical implant. The aim of the project is to restore vision for the blinds. This project runs in collaboration with Harvard University and Technical University of Denmark (DTU). You will be working with Professor Martin Lauritzen and Assistant Proffessor Changsi Cai.

The appointment is for 2 years with the possibility of extension, starting tentatively from 1 January 2022 or soon thereafter.

Information on the department can be found at https://in.ku.dk/.

Our research
60 million people are blind world widely. Despite major advances in treatments including surgeries and medications, many patients remain incurable. In this project, we will develop the next generation bionic device to stimulate the existing visual neurons, so that the brain ‘sees’ again by artificial visual perceptions. We further envision an intriguing potential to extend it to treat other neurological disorders.

This project is an interdisciplinary and intercontinental collaboration of experts from vision, neuroscience and neural engineering. To overcome the fundamental limitation of the conventional visual prosthesis, we will develop the next generation cortical implant for vision restoration. Our neuroscience group will collaborate with Dr. Shelley Fried and his team at Harvard University, and Dr. Anpan Han’s team at Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Dr. Fried is a world-leading expert of visual prosthesis, under umbrella of ‘The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative. Dr. Han’s team in DTU holds the cutting-edge technology to manufacture super fine electrode / coil array in nanoscales.

The research focus of our group is on mechanism of sensory rehabilitation, brain vascular disease and application of neurophotonics to brain imaging. It builds upon our extensive experience and cutting-edge work on calcium signaling in neurons and astrocytes, and vascular activities. The applicant is expected to work with two-photon microscopy in the mouse cerebral cortex in both anesthetized and awake states. 

Your job
We strive to implant the bionic device in the living mouse brain, examine brain responses and unveil its underlying biological mechanism. We will examine the brain cellular and vascular activities by state-of-art in vivo two-photon microscopy, as well as mouse behavior.

Your tasks would be:

1. Implant the bionic device in anesthetized mouse with acute cranial window or awake mouse with chronic cranial window.
2. Use two-photon microscopy as a main tool to study brain cellular and vascular responses.
3. Simple animal behavior study.
4. Test efficacy of different bionic designs and feedback to Harvard and DTU collaborator.
5. Analyze data, write and publish high quality papers.
6. Write project reports, and participate in project meetings.
7. Co-supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students.

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

• PhD or equivalent degree in natural, medical science or biomedical engineering that is obtained after 2016.
• Excellent scientific track record
• Prior experience in 2-photon microscopy imaging in live mice and / or visual cortex is preferred
• Experience in Matlab programming and computational data analysis is desirable
• Technical skills in real time data acquisition and instrumentation control is a plus
• Good communication skills, both oral and written
• An analytical aptitude of devising innovative scientific or technical solutions
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility and confidence

Place of employment
The place of employment is at Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The lab is located at the 4th floor of Maersk Tower, a landmark of Copenhagen city. We provide world-class modern research facilities and beautiful office window view of the entire Copenhagen inner city. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years with the possibility of extension. Starting date is 1 January 2022 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34,890 DKK/ approx. 4,690 Euro (April 2021-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of December 11, 2019.

Questions
For further information please contact Assistant Professor Changsi Cai on tel. (+45) 71171807, or ccai@sund.ku.dk.

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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. two pages).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position. Please specify your GPAs.
3. 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.
4. List of publications.
5. 3 references including e-mails and contacts.
6. 1-3 signature papers in PDF, preferably first author papers.

Application deadline:  30 August 2021, 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 September and October 2021.

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.

 

APPLY NOW

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.

Contact

Changsi Cai

E-mail: ccai@sund.ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 30-08-2021

Employment start: 01-01-2022

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Neuroscience

PhD fellow in RNA Biotechnology

 

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in RNA Biotechnology commencing 01.01.2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment
The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences constitutes a stimulating and international research environment. The current position is financially supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation Ascending Investigator Grant to Associate Professor Sebastian Marquardt. The position will be located at Copenhagen Plant Science Centre (CPSC) with state-of-the-art research facilities. The aim of CPSC is to create a cross-disciplinary scientific environment that links plant scientists and advances research from bench to application.

Project description
Plants have an amazing ability to deal with changing environments through molecular mechanisms that facilitate adaptation. We are looking for an exceptionally motivated Ph. D. student to elucidate temperature-sensing properties of short promoter-proximal RNAs (sppRNAs) that are connected to temperature responsive plant gene expression. sppRNAs are transcript isoforms resulting from partial RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription of plant genes, linked to promoter-proximal stalling of RNAPII during gene expression. For detailed information on sppRNAs and project background please see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16390-7. The project operates at the interface between the research areas of: epigenetics, RNA biology, RNAPII transcription and genomics. You will be based in the laboratory of Sebastian Marquardt, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and visit the laboratory of Zachary Lippman, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA, to perform the parts of your project, particularly elements in tomato.

You will characterize temperature-sensitive characteristics of plant gene expression in Arabidopsis and tomato. A key element of your project will be the characterization of molecular mechanisms triggering sppRNA formation during plant gene expression during changing temperature with a focus on cold. This Ph.D. project involves design, execution and analysis of transcriptomics and epigenomics Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data. Expertise and enthusiasm to analyze NGS data characterize candidates that match the profile for this position. You will examine sppRNAs in tomato, which will involve targeted genetic engineering of tomato using CRISPR/Cas9. Tomato is sensitive to cold temperatures, which affects yield. Your project will test the hypothesis that part of the cold sensitivity of tomato may be rooted in differences of sppRNA-based cold sensing compared to plants that are more resistant to cold (i.e. Arabidopsis).  This project could thus help to inform on RNA-based molecular solutions to help plants to adjust to a changing climate.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, Sebastian Marquardt, E-mail: sebastian.marquardt@plen.ku.dk , Direct Phone: +4535331305.

Job description
The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project 
• Attend PhD courses
• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• To stay at an external research institution (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA) for a few months
• Work for the department

Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics or related fields with very good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience, particular in the area of NGS data analysis.

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.
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 333,464 (approx. €44,461) including annual supplement (+ pension at a minimum DKK 54,191). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
• 1-3 reference letters (if any)

Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT  obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 4 July 2021, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science.

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

Questions
For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Associate Professor, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, Sebastian Marquardt, E-mail: sebastian.marquardt@plen.ku.dk , Direct Phone: +4535331305.

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd.

APPLY NOW

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.

Contact

Sebastian Marquardt

E-mail: sebastian.marquardt@plen.ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 04-07-2021

Employment start: 01-01-2022

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

PhD scholarship: Maintaining Slavery in the Lesser Antilles c. 1650 - 1850

 

The Saxo Institute at the University of Copenhagen is pleased to announce a call for applications for a 3-year fully funded PhD scholarship in the inter-island history of slavery in the Lesser Antilles c. 1650 – 1850. The position is available from October 1, 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is part of the research project In the Same Sea: The Lesser Antilles as a Common World of Slavery and Freedom, funded by the European Research Council. In the Same Sea investigates the shared history of the Lesser Antilles from the 1650s to the 1850s. The research team explores how the islands of the Lesser Antilles were shaped by inter-island connections that transformed separate islands in different empires into a common world of slavery and freedom.

The successful candidate will carry out independent research on how slavery was maintained across imperial borders in the Lesser Antilles. The PhD research project begins from the assumption that slavery in the Lesser Antilles was maintained by island elites who drew on the administrative and managerial knowledge gleaned from islands belonging to other European empires. Tracing the trans-colonial connections that shaped the regime of slavery in the long eighteenth century, research topics may include, but are not limited to, the ways by which colonial administrators, elite planters, and merchants compared island conditions and competed to obtain the most efficient means of reproducing slavery. The mapping of significant events and developments – such as the introduction of a legal limit on the number of lashes inflicted upon slaves, and the introduction of mandatory letters of freedom to free people of color – may serve as tools to unearth possible flows between islands. Likewise, the project can examine how island elites gained knowledge of measures designed to control the enslaved population – such as urban design, prison construction, plantation layouts, and legal and punitive procedures – by looking towards those implemented on other islands.

In addition to conducting independent research, the candidate will participate in the team’s research activities, including the construction of databases and maps. For more, see IN THE SAME SEA

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Dr. Gunvor Simonsen. Dr. Simonsen will also act as supervisor.

For questions about the Saxo Institute and the PhD-program, refer to Associate Professor Søren Rud.

Qualification requirements
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written. In addition, candidates will master French and/or Dutch allowing them to conduct research in the archives of more than one imperial power.

Admission requirements
Applicants should hold a two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or the equivalent in history or a similar discipline. If the MA-thesis is not completed at the application deadline, applicants must send pre-approval of their thesis.

If the MA diploma and/or examination records are in another language than English, German, French, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, please include a translation into either of these languages in your application.

The translation of diplomas/certificates and transcripts must be made or approved by either of the following:

• A state-authorized translator and interpreter  
• The embassy or consulate of the country where the original document was issued or where the translation was made  
• A Danish consulate/embassy  

The administration encourages applicants from within the EU to enclose a Diploma Supplement. The Diploma Supplement is part of a common European framework for transparency of competencies and qualifications see Europass / EU.

Application
The application should include the following:

1. Cover letter
(2,400 characters)

2. CV  
Please include a complete CV, including a list of publications where relevant.  

3. Writing sample
Please include an example of your academic writing in English, such as an article or a MA-thesis chapter.

4. Diploma and transcript of records 
Please include the following documentation:

• A copy of the applicant's Master's degree diploma (if not available before the application deadline, a pre-approval must be submitted)  
• A copy of the applicant's Master’s degree transcript of records (an official description of the grading scale must be included)  
• A copy of the applicant's Bachelor’s degree diploma  
• A copy of the applicant's Bachelor’s degree transcript of records (an official description of the grading scale must be included)  

5. Research proposal
The research proposal (12,000 characters, excl. bibliography) should outline:

• The research topic
• The research question/s
• The historiographical state of the art / how does the project relate to previous research?
• The methodology of the proposed study
• The archives and/or material to be consulted
• A realistic research plan, setting aside one semester for teaching and one semester for coursework.

Recruitment process
Applicants are selected for assessment on the advice of an Appointment Committee. All applicants will be notified of the decision of the Appointment Committee. Following shortlisting, an Assessment Committee is appointed. Shortlisted applicants are notified of the composition of this committee. Applicants have the opportunity to comment on the assessment of their own application. Following assessment, a number of qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.

For further information on the recruitment process: Recruitment, UCPH.

Enrolment
As a PhD student at The Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen, you will be supervised for approximately 180 hours distributed over 6 semesters. In addition to this, you must complete PhD courses of a total approximating 30 ECTS. On completion of the PhD program, you must submit a PhD thesis.

For more information: PhD studies, Faculty of Humanities, UCPH.

Terms of Employment
PhD students at the Faculty of Humanities are appointed under the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

As an equal opportunity employer, the university invites applications from all interested candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin or religion.

Contact information
For any further questions regarding recruitment please contact HR officer Pernille Lykke Paulsen, e-mail: hrsc@hrsc.ku.dk, please refer to ID number 211-0766/21-2H #1.

Application deadline
Applicants must submit the application electronically no later than July 31, 2021 at 23.59 (CET).  

Applicants can amend their application after submission up until the application deadline.

APPLY NOW

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.

Info

Application deadline: 31-07-2021

Employment start: 01-10-2021

Department/Location: Saxo instituttet

PhD scholarship in Social Data Science, University of Copenhagen (UCPH)

 

Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship at the Copenhagen Centre for Social Data Science (SODAS) at the University of Copenhagen as part of the ERC-funded project “DISTRACT: The Political Economy of Attention in Digitized Denmark.”

Employment is scheduled to begin November 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

DISTRACT is an interdisciplinary research project financed by an ERC Advanced Grant. Bringing together an interdisciplinary team and drawing on SODAS’ broad social data science expertise, DISTRACT explores the political economy of distraction in digitized Denmark in order to break new empirical, methodological and theoretical ground in the social scientific study of attention. Combining new data science techniques, including text mining, machine learning, and natural language processing, with classic social science methods such as randomized experiments, social network analysis and ethnographic fieldwork, DISTRACT thus collects, integrates and analyses qualitative and quantitative data on the nature and the dynamics of attention in the world’s most digitized country. The project is divided into four work packagers, each of which involve collaborations with private and public partners including LEGO and Foreningen Folkemødet: WP1: Attention Politics; WP2: Software Developers; WP3: Digital Detox; and WP 4: Regulating Distractions.

The PhD researcher will join the WP # 4 team, which is also comprised by Co-PI Professor David Dreyer Lassen (Economics/SODAS) and Dr. Helene Willadsen (Economics/SODAS) and one or more student assistants. The PhD researcher will be doing research on attention technologies and practices in schools and/or workplaces, including – but not limited to – how students’ and employees’ productivity, innovation capacity and cooperation are affected by blended physical and digital presence. Methodologically, the PhD researcher will deploy social data science techniques and organize and execute qualitative and ethnographic data collection and analysis in collaboration with the rest of the work package team. Finally, the PhD researcher is expected to contribute to the execution and preparation of data collection from experiments.

Applicants must have a background in sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, computational social science, cognitive science, natural language processing or a related field, and have experience with the collection, processing and analysis of qualitative - and ideally also quantitative – data. Experience with and openness to working in an interdisciplinary research environment is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities
Further information about the PhD study program is available on the website of Copenhagen Graduate School of Social Sciences:

https://samf.ku.dk/phd-skolen/english/

https://samf.ku.dk/phd-skolen/

Under "Legal basis" on the website you will find information about the rules and guidelines for the PhD programme and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD programme at the Universities.

Job description
The positions are available for a 3-year (for applicants with a master degree) or a 4-year (for applicants with four years of course work). The tasks of the PhD students are to:

• Participate in and contribute to their respective work packages and DISTRACT project as a whole
• Write and co-author scientific articles and other scientific outputs to be included in the PhD thesis
• Attend and complete PhD courses in accordance with the PhD program in Social Science
• Participate in and co-organize workshops/seminars/conferences
• Teach in the MSc programme in Social Data Science and/or other degree programme at the Faculty
• Visit a research institution abroad for minimum of two months (pending Covid-19 restrictions)
• Participate actively in scholarly and social life at SODAS

DISTRACT is an intensely collaborative and explicitly interdisciplinary project. In joining our team, the PhD candidate must help deliver the research and outreach impacts detailed in the project proposal. The candidate will also be expected to participate in weekly team meetings; to attend research events in Denmark and aboard; to write individual and co-publications; and to help disseminate findings to partners and the public. In addition, the PhD candidate is expected to participate actively in the vibrant academic community and social life at SODAS by e.g. attending seminars, lectures, reading groups and data sprints.

Qualifications and Terms of Employment
We seek candidates with a strong social science background who quality for 5+3 (3 year PhD programme) or the 4+4 (4 year PhD programme) in Social Science. In the assessment, emphasis will be put on academic track-record, experience with digital social science research, the project proposal, and interdisciplinary experience. Excellent English language skills are required. The ability to read, speak and ideally write Danish will be an advantage due to the specific nature of the object of investigation.

To be eligible for the 5+3 PhD scholarship, applicants must have completed a two-year MSc degree programme, or have earned 120 ECTS credits at an equivalent academic level. The position includes a work obligation of up to 840 hours over the 3-year period. This will, typically, include teaching or supervision.

PhD students under the 4 + 4 model, who have completed a BSc and 60 ECTS of a relevant MSc degree, will enrol as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrolment in this MSc degree programme. Until an MSc degree is obtained, the grant will be paid partly in the form of up to 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”). More specifically, the PhD student will be paid two grant portions per month plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of at least 280 hours. Upon completion of the MSc degree the PhD student will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship.

The terms of employment and payment are according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Salary range starts at DKK 27,568.13 per month incl. PhD supplement.

The University of Copenhagen invites all qualified applicants, regardless of personal background, to apply for the positions. In order to be awarded a PhD scholarship the applicant has to enrol as a PhD student at the Faculty of Social Sciences, cf. the rules of the Danish Ministerial order No 1039 of 27 August 2013.

Application and Assessment Procedure
Submit a complete application at our online portal. Click on the “Apply now” icon at the bottom of the page to apply. The documents must be in Adobe PDF or Word.

The application must be accompanied by the following appendices:

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages) detailing the applicant’s motivation and background for applying
• Project proposal (max 5 pages) comprising (a) an outline of proposed research project and its contribution to work package 4 (Regulating Distractions); (b) a description and reflections on experiences with social data science methods and interdisciplinary collaboration; (c) broader thoughts and ideas on how to contribute to making DISTRACT an agenda-setting social data science project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Rough time plan/schedule
• Budget
• List of publications (if any)

After the expiry of the deadline, applicants are selected for assessment by an appointment committee composed by PI’s from DISTRACT and other research leaders from SODAS. All applicants will then be notified of whether their application has been shortlisted for assessment by an academic committee. Shortlisted applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and will have the opportunity to comment on their own assessment. 

Information
Further information can be obtained from the PI of DISTRACT, Professor Morten Axel Pedersen (map@sodas.ku.dk) or from co-PI Dr. Kristoffer Albris (kristoffer.albris@sodas.ku.dk)

On the website of Copenhagen Graduate School of Social Sciences you will find information about the application process, and enclosures to include with your electronic application:

https://samf.ku.dk/phd-skolen/english/applicants/application/current_advertisement/

https://samf.ku.dk/phd-skolen/til_ansogere/ansoegning/aktuelle_opslag/

The recruitment process
Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The following criteria are used when shortlisting candidates for assessment:

1. Research qualifications as reflected in the project proposal.

2. Quality and feasibility of the project.

3. Qualifications and knowledge in relevant Anthropology disciplines.

4. Performance (grades obtained) in graduate and post-graduate studies.

5. The Centre for Social Data Science (SODAS) can offer adequate supervision for the research topic in question.

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see https://employment.ku.dk/working-at-ucph/eu-charter-for-researchers/

International applicant
The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: https://ism.ku.dk/

Contact information
Information about the recruitment process is available from Lotte Strandberg HR, e-mail: hrsc@hrsc.ku.dk, please refer to ID number: #1 211-0733/21-2H

The closing date for applications is August 15 2021, 23:59 CEST

Applications received after the deadline will not be taken into account.

 

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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.

Info

Application deadline: 15-08-2021

Employment start: 01-11-2021

Department/Location: The Faculty of Social Sciences

Doctoral position in Religious studies with didactic focus

 

Ref PAR 2021/702

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion is one of the six departments of the Faculty of Humanities. It has about 100 employees (of which about 20 are doctoral students) and approximately 1,000 students. For more information about the department see: https://www.gu.se/en/literature-history-of-ideas-religion

The postgraduate education in Religious studies with didactic focus is part of a creative research milieu that includes a number of different areas. Research in Religious Studies aims to understand and critically reflect on the function and place of religion in historical and contemporary contexts. At the department for Literature, history of ideas and religion, research within Religious studies includes studies of the functions of religion, religious change and interpretation historically and today, as well as analysis of texts and practices. Religious Studies provides insights into historical processes, religious encounters and conflicts, and theological and ethical positions and debates. These skills are increasingly relevant to the multireligious and multicultural society of our times. Research about the learning and teaching about religion, didactics of religion, is closely knit to the teacher training programme, but has, over the years come to include other parts of our research and education. The doctoral position in religious studies with focus on didactics is part of this wider research context.     

In addition to PhD students in Religious studies, the department also holds PhD students in humanities with a focus on educational science that are affiliated to the post graduate school CUL (Center for Educational Science and Teacher Research), which contributes to an educational science-oriented research environment.

Job assignments

A doctoral (PhD) student is expected to conduct research and to contribute to the development of knowledge within the discipline. Expectations of a doctoral student include the capacity to develop independent ideas and communicate research results in oral and written form. The aim of the doctoral position is for the doctoral student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be able to conduct research autonomously within Religious studies with focus on didactics and to contribute to the development of knowledge within the discipline through the production of a scholarly thesis. Another aim is for the doctoral student to develop an ability to apply the acquired knowledge and skills within post-degree research or other qualified professional work.

Doctoral student will be expected to be physically present at the Department and actively interact in the programme environment, which includes active participation in the Department’s third-cycle and research seminars. While the Department's working language is Swedish, the PhD programme may be conducted in English. However, non-Swedish PhD students are expected to learn Swedish during their PhD programme. Doctoral theses may be written in Swedish or English. The University offers introductory courses in Swedish on an as-needed basis.

If the department needs teaching staff, the doctoral student can be offered the possibility to teach at the teacher training program and in related educational fields. Teacher’s degree with Religious education and work experience from school provide useful qualification.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position, the applicant must meet both general and specific entry requirements. An applicant meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle (PhD) studies if he/she has obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.39):

1. a degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent),
2. at least 240 higher education (university) credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, or
3. equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways in Sweden or abroad.

The specific qualifications for postgraduate education in Religious Studies requires at least 30 higher education credits in Religious Studies at advanced level, of which at least 15 higher education credits consist of independent work (e.g., MA thesis) or equivalent knowledge.

Assessment

Selection among applicants who meet the requirements for basic and special eligibility is based on the ability to successfully complete the education at the doctoral level.

Employment

Regulations for employment of doctoral students are given in SFS 1998:80. Only those who are admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to doctoral positions. Those appointed to doctoral positions will primarily devote themselves to their studies. The initial appointment may apply for no longer than one year. An appointment may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. The total employment period may not exceed the time corresponding to full-time studies for four years. The position may include departmental duties, such as teaching or administration, corresponding to up to 20% of a full-time post over the course of study. If such tasks are carried out, the duration of the appointment will be extended accordingly.

Type of employment: 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: The Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion, University of Gothenburg
First day of employment: 2022-02-01

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated by a local agreement at the University.

Appointment procedure

The appointment procedure involves two stages:

1) A shortlist is made based on material included in the application. 
2) The shortlisted candidates will be called to an interview on December 1, 2021. The interview process will involve a short oral presentation of the applicant’s project proposal.

For further information regarding the position

Questions regarding the third-cycle education:

Olle Widhe, director of doctoral studies
olle.widhe@lir.gu.se

Jong Ho, HR administrator
jong.ho@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

Please enclose the following documents with the application:

1. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to the position and reflect on the progress which you consider can be traced in your degree projects. If it is evident from the certificates that it took you a very long time to complete the degree projects, you may wish to comment on this fact. This text may not exceed 3,000 characters (including blank spaces), and may be written in Swedish or English.
2. Curriculum vitae / CV containing contact information, education, work experience and other relevant qualifications.
3. Degree certificates and/or a certificate of enrolment from Ladok, or equivalent system, specifying your completed coursework. The certificates must demonstrate that you meet the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies as well as the specific entry requirements specified in the respective programme syllabus (https://medarbetarportalen.gu.se/internt-lir/for-doktorander/studieplaner/?languageId=100001).
4. Degree projects (from second cycle and first cycle, if any) and any publications you find relevant. You may submit up to five texts (which should also be attached as a pdf); any additional texts can be listed in a separate document. Submitted texts will be assessed primarily based on the following criteria: originality and scholarly relevance, difficulty of the topic addressed, and precision in the use of methods and the overall presentation of the work.
5. A description of your intended thesis project. This description should identify the purpose and aim of the project, the problem(s) addressed, material that will be used, and how the project relates to previous research. The project draft should also include a discussion on which theories and methods you may utilise. The draft will be assessed based on the following criteria: originality, scholarly relevance and rigor, and feasibility. The draft can include a preliminary outline or list of different phases and components of the thesis project, as well as a general timetable for the project. The draft may not exceed 20,000 characters (including blank spaces, notes and references).

Closing date: 2021-09-15

 

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

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