Postdoc in Bayesian Modelling - DTU Food

Do you have experience within Bayesian modelling and have an interest in its application within the intersection between toxicology, epidemiology and burden of disease studies? And do you want to advance the methods used for unravelling the public health impacts of environmental chemicals? Then you might be our new postdoc.

You will be part of the Research Group for Risk-Benefit at The National Food Institute at The Technical University of Denmark. The research group is highly multidisciplinary and consists of researchers with expertise within epidemiology, nutrition, toxicology, microbiology and modelling. Our research spans from developing methods for risk-benefit assessments, burden of disease studies as well as risk assessments, to conducting intervention studies. We offer an ambitious, dynamic and social research environment with exciting challenges and opportunities.

The position is affiliated with the BurdenX project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The project aims to develop a method for integrating various sources of evidence (toxicological, epidemiological) and accounting for different levels of certainty in the evidence in environmental burden of disease assessments.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will conduct research in the use of Bayesian methods for integrating various sources of evidence (toxicological, epidemiological) in environmental burden of disease studies and develop a model that quantitatively and transparently accounts for uncertainties in weight-of-evidence. You will work on a case study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The work will involve:

• Investigating the use of Bayesian methods for quantitatively assessing weight-of-evidence for environmental chemicals and adverse health effects in humans.
• Development of a method to integrate the quantitative weight-of-evidence model in environmental burden of disease assessments
• Development of probabilistic environmental burden of disease model(s) for PFAS in collaboration with other team members.
• Organizing and hosting e-meetings with international project team members.
• Writing peer-reviewed scientific article(s).
• Disseminating your research at international conferences, etc. 

We expect that you have a PhD in statistics, mathematics, systems biology, quantitative epidemiology, or equivalent.

The candidate we seek:

• Has a deep understanding of and documented experience within Bayesian methods.
• Preferably has knowledge within biology, toxicology, and/or epidemiology.
• Works independently, while at the same time has a collaborative mindset.
• Works structured and with an eye for detail.
• Has excellent oral and written skills in English.
• Has excellent communication skills.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The start date is 1 September 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Researcher, Sofie Theresa Thomsen on sthth@food.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 
• At least one publication that illustrates previous experience relevant for the topic of this position

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members. 

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.