About the opportunity
The Copenhagen Health Complexity Center, part of the Department of Public Health, seeks a Postdoctoral researcher to join the Child Health group. The role focuses on developing decision-support and scenario exploration tools to visualize the systemic effects of social investments. Working in partnership with the Thriving Communities Lab, the successful candidate will bridge scientific research with municipal health promotion efforts. The position involves analyzing multi-layered life-course data, including the Danish Life Course Cohort (DANLIFE), to map adolescent well-being. The researcher will contribute to interdisciplinary projects, engage with stakeholders, participate in research-based teaching, and support the organizational development of the Center.
Salary and benefits
- Three-year fixed-term contract
- Full-time employment (37 hours per week)
- Competitive salary starting at 35,000 DKK per month (October 2021 level)
- Employer-paid pension contribution of 17.1%
- Potential for tax reductions for eligible international and Danish researchers
- Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary, high-level research environment
Who can apply?
- PhD degree in social science, economics, epidemiology, data science, complexity science, computational science, or a related field
- Experience with system dynamics modelling
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
- Strong communication skills
Required documents
- Letter of motivation (max 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
- Certified/signed copy of PhD certificate (or a written statement from a supervisor if not yet completed)
- Certified/signed copy of Master of Science certificate
- Research plan (max 2 pages) outlining ideas for a decision-support/scenario exploration tool
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-31 at 23:59 CET
- Interviews expected in weeks 47-48 of 2026
- Expected start date: 2027-02-01 or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format
- Submit the application via the official online portal using the 'Apply Now' link
- Await notification regarding advancement to the assessment stage
Additional information
- The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
- Experience with agent-based modelling, social return on investment analysis, or Danish register data is considered an advantage.
- Danish language skills are beneficial but not required.
- The recruitment process includes an assessment by an unbiased assessor, with an opportunity for the applicant to comment on the assessment.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers with a strong background in system dynamics or agent-based modelling looking to apply these skills to real-world public health policy.
- Candidates interested in interdisciplinary work that combines data science, epidemiology, and social science.
- Professionals motivated by participatory research and direct engagement with municipal policymakers and practitioners.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term, three-year contract, which may require planning for subsequent career steps.
- The position is based in Copenhagen, Denmark; applicants should be prepared for relocation if not already local.
- The research requires a specific focus on adolescent health and social policy, which may be less suitable for those seeking a broader or purely theoretical research scope.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for a researcher to bridge the gap between complex computational modelling and practical public health implementation. It offers the chance to work with high-quality Danish register data and contribute to a high-impact, interdisciplinary research center, making it a strong step for those aiming to build a career in public health, health policy, or complexity science.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for early-career researchers with a PhD and expertise in system dynamics who want to apply their skills to tangible social and health challenges. It is less suitable for those without a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration or those seeking a permanent, non-fixed-term position.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
