PhD student in data science and AI-based predictive models

Would you like to help shape the future of data-driven surgical research?

The Surgical Department at Odense University Hospital – Svendborg Hospital is seeking an ambitious PhD stipendiat with a strong profile in data science and mathematics. In this project you will play a central role in the development and testing of advanced AI-based predictive models to be used on real clinical data and help improve patient pathways and quality of treatment.

As a PhD stipendiat you will be part of an interdisciplinary environment with clinicians, researchers and data experts, where there is a short path from idea to applied research – and where your models can make a concrete difference for surgical patients.

About the department

The Surgical Department, Odense University Hospital – Svendborg Hospital, handles elective and acute surgical treatment and has an active and growing research environment. The department works closely with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark and several national and international partners.

In the Research Unit for Surgery there is a particular focus on data-driven surgery, applied clinical research and the development of new methods, including the use of artificial intelligence to improve patient pathways and treatment quality.

About the position

We are seeking a PhD stipendiat with a strong background in data science, mathematics and research for a project focusing on the development and testing of AI-based predictive models in surgery.

The PhD project will build on clinical and paraclinical data from surgical patients and aims to develop, validate and investigate the possibilities for implementing predictive models that can support clinical decision-making processes. You will join an interdisciplinary team with clinicians and researchers.

Enrollment will take place at a relevant PhD school at the University of Southern Denmark, and a final project description will be prepared in collaboration between you, the supervisory team and the department.

Responsibilities

As a PhD stipendiat your primary tasks will be

• Plan and carry out the PhD project in collaboration with supervisors and the research group
• Develop and further develop AI-based predictive models based on clinical datasets
• Work with methods in machine learning and statistical modeling, including model training, validation and evaluation
• Conduct robust evaluation of models (performance, bias/variance, generalisability and fairness)
• Handle and analyse larger and complex datasets from clinical registries, journal systems and research databases
• Document methods and results, ensure reproducibility and contribute to considerations on implementation in clinical practice
• Disseminate results through scientific articles, PhD thesis, conferences and internal professional forums
• There will be teaching and supervisory tasks as part of the research environment's activities.

Qualifications

To be considered, we expect that you have

• A relevant bachelor degree (e.g., cand.scient.) with focus on data science or mathematics
• Documented experience with quantitative research, e.g., via a thesis, research project or previous employment
• Solid experience with programming and data analysis, preferably in Python and/or R
• Knowledge of methods within machine learning, statistical modeling and/or artificial intelligence
• Good collaboration skills and desire to work across disciplines

It is advantageous if you

• Have experience with working with health data, clinical databases or registry research
• Have knowledge of data protection, personal data rules and research ethics
• Have experience with communicating research results, e.g., publications or presentations at conferences

We offer

• A strong, interdisciplinary research environment with close link to clinical practice
• Access to relevant clinical data and infrastructure for development and testing of advanced AI models
• Close supervision and academic sparring from both clinical and technical/research supervisors
• Opportunity to participate in national and international research networks and conferences
• A working environment with high professionalism, informal tone and focus on the development of both PhD stipendiaters and more experienced researchers

Salary and employment terms

The position is 37 hours per week.

Start date by agreement.

The primary workplace is at OUH’s campus in Svendborg, but there will also be work days in Odense.

Employment as a PhD stipendiat at OUH is time-limited to 2 years and requires enrollment at the relevant PhD school at the University of Southern Denmark. Salary and employment terms follow the applicable agreement for academics in the regions. The starter salary for the position can be found via the following link: See starter salary for positions in the Region of Southern Denmark .

Interested?

If you want to know more about the position you can contact the Secretariat and Development Manager Lasse Kaalby Møller at telephone 2449 7415 or email [email protected] .

We expect to conduct interviews in week 46.

On OUH's website , Instagram, Facebook and Linked-in you can read more about the department

Department: Surgical Department A Odense-Svendborg

Job title: PhD stipendiat, health science

Working hours: 37

Workplace: Svendborg

Application deadline: 30-10-2026

Application deadline: Oct 30, 2026