SDU - PhD Position in Computer Science (Data Mining and Machine Learning) Odense M, Danmark

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Campus Odense, invites applications for one PhD candidate position in Computer Science, fully funded by a major research project from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). The successful applicants would become part of the Data Science & Statistics section at the department.

The successful candidate will be based in Odense, under the primary supervision of Prof. Ricardo J. G. B. Campello, but they will be expected to also work closely with other PhD students, postdocs, and collaborators both from SDU as well as abroad. In particular, the project involves a formal collaboration with the Institute for Computational Genomics at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Research visits to our research partner in Aachen may take place. 

The proposed starting date is in February 2026, but a slightly earlier or later start may be negotiable. The appointment will be made for a term of 3 (three) years at a competitive salary and will follow the PhD study program at the Faculty of Science.

Candidate Profile 
An ideal candidate has a background in/or experience with one or more of the following topics:

• Data Mining
• Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics

The successful candidate will contribute to advancing state-of-the-art in data mining and machine learning research with applications in computational biology by:

• Developing specialized algorithms supported on solid theoretical foundations and with a focus on challenging aspects of very high-dimensional datasets, such as datasets encountered in the computational biology and bioinformatics field.
• Developing specialized methods for automatic or semi-automatic, possibly visually aided evaluation and model selection of such algorithms.
• Developing tailored solutions to integrate domain knowledge into domain-agnostic algorithms and evaluation methods.
• Performing extensive experimental assessment and benchmarking of algorithms and evaluation methods in both synthetic and real datasets.
• Developing software tools compatible for integrated use with popular data analysis packages, to be made available for public distribution. 

Eligibility
Essential:

• Relevant Master’s degree (see notes below) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computational Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Engineering, or related field that provides a sufficient background in computer science, mathematics, and statistics.
• Advanced programming skills.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills (fluency in English is required).

Desirable:

• Fluency in Python.
• Experience with algorithm design, machine learning and data analysis.
• Experience with the analysis of biological data is a plus.

NOTES (on eligibility): (i) MSc candidates about to complete will also be considered and should attach a statement from their supervisors regarding their impending completion; (ii) Relevance of the Master’s degree will also take into account the research component of the program undertaken; (iii) The required degree of background in computer science and mathematics/statistics will be assessed in conjunction with previous degrees (typically a Bachelor’s).

For further information, please contact Professor Ricardo Campello, e-mail: campello@imada.sdu.dk, tel.: +45 6550 8494.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.   

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Eligibility
Essential:

• Relevant Master’s degree (see notes below) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computational Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Engineering, or related field that provides a sufficient background in computer science, mathematics, and statistics.
• Advanced programming skills.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills (fluency in English is required).