The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a postdoc position. The position can start as soon as possible and on September 1, 2025, at the latest.
The IT University’s vision is to create and share knowledge that is profound and leads to groundbreaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity. The Data Science section seeks to conduct research and education that are both foundational and effect on industry and society.
Job description
The current retrieval-augmented generation technology does not guarantee factual correctness, and the interface may encourage users to rely on the generated text instead of double-checking with the cited sources. This project aims to develop methods for a better blend of 'helpful' responses coming from large language models, and reliability of traditional search, ensuring that the users receive from their digital assistant the best information available, while considering both the time spent and risk of automation bias. The project is performed in collaboration with the National Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society (CAISA).
The ideal candidate will have solid core skills in programming in Python and machine learning. Since the project will involve communication with diverse stakeholders across sectors, prior experience in defining, developing and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders is required. Experience in design and analysis of user experience is a plus.
The position is funded for 2 years. The postdoc will receive mentorship and support in clarifying their career goals and building up their profile in their target areas. Besides adding to their portfolio of top-tier publications, the postdoc will build up their international network and collaborative skills and increase their visibility through e.g. organization of an international workshop and/or conference tutorial.
The research environment
The project is interdisciplinary and cross-institutional: it is led by Associate Professor Rebecca Adler-Nissen (University of Copenhagen), a political scientist, and Associate Professor Anna Rogers (IT University of Copenhagen), an expert in Transformer-based language models. The candidate will be part of two research groups (NLPNorth and CAISA).
The main place of employment will be NLPnorth research group, which is currently the largest in Denmark, with 5 faculty working on various aspects of NLP and 4 PhD students and postdocs (3 more incoming). The main collaboration is with CAISA at the University of Copenhagen. Besides, the candidate will also be a member of the national Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence, a 5-university Danish research endeavor. NLPNorth and both research centers are highly international and well-funded, working on a broad range of research topics and providing a vibrant intellectual environment for all research tastes.
General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based tertiary institution focused on information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.
About the Data Science Section
The Data Science Section at the IT University of Copenhagen conducts research in various aspects of data science, including computational social science, discrete optimization, information retrieval, machine learning, natural language processing, network science and more, as well as a range of applications. Its faculty is responsible for many courses in the ITU programs for Bachelor/Master in Data Science. The section currently has 16 permanent faculty and 35 PhDs and postdocs.
Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, aspiring, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from 17 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.
Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. It is among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index, and it will be a good experience for you and your family. Here you can find some reflections by foreign PhD students in the NLPNorth research group.
Salary and terms of employment
The applicant will be employed and enrolled at the ITU University for a period of 24 months. Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.
Qualification Requirements
The applicant can hold or be close to completion of, a PhD-degree with substantial research experience.
Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:
- [Required] A full CV including name, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background, a complete list of publications, information for professional references (names, position, relation to the candidate, contact information)
- [Required] A cover letter discussing the match between this position and your qualifications, your research and career agenda, the direction you would like to take in this project, and your preferred starting date.
- [Required] Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
Applications without the documents listed as required will not be assessed. The applicant will be assessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.
The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting. The assessment committee may reach out to the shortlisted candidates for optional materials, if they were not included with the application.
Further information
Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor, Anna Rogers, IT University of Copenhagen, [email protected]. Early contact with the PI is encouraged.
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected].
Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website: http://en.itu.dk/About-ITU/Vacancies
Please note that all application material will be destroyed after the assessment.
Application deadline: 18 June 2025, at 23:59 CEST.
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.
At The IT University of Copenhagen we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.
