Postdoc in Computational Microscopy

The Department of Computer Science (DIKU), University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in computational microscopy, starting on 1 March 2027.

The position is funded by the Villum Foundation through the Villum Experiment programme.

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

Our research

The project will be hosted by the IMAGE section, which conducts research in machine learning, computer vision, and simulation. The section is part of the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The project is a collaboration between Julius B. Kirkegaard, Bernhard Kerbl, and Ala Trusina.

The research project

The research in this project aims to develop computational methods for extracting three-dimensional information from microscopy images, combining computer vision with physics-based modelling. The project is primarily computational, with microscope experiments providing data for method development and evaluation. No prior experimental experience is required, but an interest in learning basic microscopy is important.

Profile

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

Essential experience and skills

• You have a PhD or equivalent research qualifications in computer science, physics, or a closely related field.
• You have strong programming skills and experience developing research software.
• You have a solid quantitative background in numerical methods, optimization, or scientific computing.
• You can conduct independent research and collaborate across disciplines.
• You are willing to learn basic microscopy and collect experimental data.
• You have proficient communication skills and can work in a team.
• You have excellent written and spoken English skills.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience in 3D reconstruction or microscopy.
• Experience in computer vision, computer graphics, inverse problems, or differentiable programming.
• Any form of experimental work.

Place of employment

The place of employment is the IMAGE section, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, in Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in an international research environment.

Terms of employment

The position is full time, with an average of 37 working hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position for two years. The starting date is 1 March 2027.

Salary, pension, and other employment conditions follow the applicable collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) for academics employed by the state. A salary supplement may be negotiated depending on qualifications.

The appointment is subject to the applicable job structure for academic staff at universities.

Questions

For further information, please contact Julius B. Kirkegaard at [email protected] . Department website: https://di.ku.dk/english/ .

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure

Submit your application and all attachments in English electronically by clicking “Apply now” below. All attachments must be in PDF format. Please include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• Curriculum vitae including your education, research experience, software experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position.
• Diplomas for your Master of Science and PhD degrees, including transcripts of records where available. If your PhD has not yet been completed, include a certified/signed statement from your institution or supervisor confirming expected completion.
• One publication, project, or code repository that you are proud of. For a code repository, include the link in a PDF.
• Copy of your PhD thesis or thesis abstract (if available).
• Names and email addresses of references.
• Publication list.
• Reference letters (if available).

Deadline for applications: 6 November 2026, CET 23:59

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 application deadline, the authorised recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an impartial assessor. When the assessment is complete, each applicant can comment on the part that relates to their application.

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

Applicants will be assessed under the applicable rules for the appointment of academic staff at universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.