Postdoctoral position in Educational Policy EvaluationThe Copenhagen Center for Social Dat Science (SODAS), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites candidates for a postdoctoral position in
educational policy evaluation and data science
from
1 January 2026
.The position is for a maximum of two and a half years (full-time). The position is part of the project “Coded Clues: Unraveling Learning at High Resolution”, read more about the project here. As part of the project, the succesful candidate will work closely with project members, including Rene Kizilcec from Cornell Uni., Laust H. Mortensen from Rockwool Foundation and Anna Rogers from IT Uni. of Copenhagen as well as Jonas Raaschou-Pedersen who is a PhD student on the project.
Introduction
As part of the project you will be employed at SODAS and affiliated with the Economics Department. SODAS is an interdisciplinary research, teaching, and impact center situated at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The center integrates traditional social science theories and methods with novel data science approaches, fostering a collaborative and international research environment. SODAS is home to over 40 researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and offers a supportive environment for both research and professional development. For more information, visit SODAS.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Postdoc will work on the project
Coded Clues, supervised by PI
Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen
. The main responsibilities include:
- Developing and estimating causal models of the impact of life event shocks on students and teachers on students’ learning and behavior.
- Analyzing and working with large-scale administrative datasets.
- Contributing to publications in top academic journals.
- Collaborating with project team members and other researchers.
Your Competencies and Opportunities
The candidate must have obtained a
PhD degree
in economics, applied economics, operations research, social data science, or a related field before starting the position.
We Expect The Following Qualifications
- Strong skills in quasi-experimental methods (preferably modern event study approaches).
- Strong experience and proficiency in working with Danish registry data. Previous experience with the registries on Matched Educational Data is considered a particular strength of the applicant.
- Proficiency in Python or R for data processing, modeling, and simulation tasks.
- Experience with large-scale data management and statistical analysis.
- Knowledge or interest in education policy is highly desirable.
- Strong quantitative skills, excellent programming abilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
This position offers the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with significant real-world policy implications. The Postdoc will join an interdisciplinary team and contribute to impactful research aimed at top journals.
Strategy of the Faculty of the Social Sciences
SODAS Is Part Of The Faculty Of The Social Sciences. The Faculty Is a Successful Academic Community That Strives To Put Knowledge Into Action By
- Engaging partners in the co-creation of knowledge, learning and social change.
- Empowering our students to become reflective and responsible citizens who have the vision, the knowledge and the competences to change society for the better.
- Energising global, European and Danish communities of knowledge by innovating research methodologies and by research findings with impact
For more on the Faculty strategy, see: https://samf.ku.dk/fakultetet/strategi/.
Terms of Employment
- Further information on qualification requirements as postdoc can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2025 here: Bekendtgørelse om stillingsstruktur for videnskabeligt personale ved universiteter (in Danish only).
- Terms of appointment and salary is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
- The salary range starts at appoximately 39.200 DKK per month + a 18.07 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.
The recruitment process
Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/As an applicant to the University of Copenhagen, you should be prepared to undergo a security screening related to international research collaboration as part of the recruitment process. The security screening will be conducted in cases where the University deems it appropriate based on an overall assessment.
An Equal Opportunity Workplace
The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Researrch, see https://employment.ku.dk/working-at-ucph/eu-charter-for-researchers/
International applicant?
The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: https://ism.ku.dk/
Contact information
For information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR at
hr-soendre@adm.ku.dk
, referring to ID number: 211-2362/25-2I #2.For further details about the position, please contact Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen via email: abn@sodas.ku.dk.
How To Apply
Submit a complete application at our online portal. Click on the “Apply now” icon at the bottom of the page to apply. The documents must be in Adobe PDF or Word.Your application must be written in English and include the following documents:
- Motivated application
- Curriculum vitae
- Diploma (master and bachelor)
- Other relevant material
The closing date for applications is 23:59
CET
17 November 2025.
Applications or enclosures received thereafter will not be considered.APPLY NOWPart of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.Contact
Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen
E-mail: bvq720@ku.dkInfo
Application deadline:
17-11-2025
Employment start:
01-01-2026
Department/Location:
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