Postdoc in AI based foundation models for cardiometabolic disease

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Postdoc with expertise in development of deep learning based multi-modal integrative models in the Rasmussen Group. The position is a 2-year position starting July 1, 2025, or after agreement.

Background
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center's uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharmacology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.

CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at the Panum building since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our group and research
The Rasmussen Group focuses on development and application of computational algorithms such as machine and deep learning for analysis and integration of multi-omics and multi-modal data within cardiometabolic disease. We develop supervised, un-supervised, self-supervised and generative models to learn across multiple types of data rather than treating each data modality in isolation. We have a high focus on collaboration with national and international partners and thrive in interdisciplinary projects. In the group, we organize ourselves around smaller teams with common goals and have an inclusive atmosphere. We encourage diversity across all parameters.

Project description
The project aims to develop patient-level foundation models (PLUMs) using EIR, our deep learning framework for integrative multi-modal data analysis. Working with large-scale genomics, multi-omics and health data from biobanks such as UK Biobank (UKB), Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS), and Danish national health registries, you will develop supervised foundation models capable of learning biological patterns from diverse data types. These models will enable translation from genomics to molecular markers and health outcomes, focusing primarily on cardiometabolic diseases. By integrating multiple data modalities (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome, etc.), the project will create embeddings that capture both genetic and environmental factors influencing disease. The approach will allow for knowledge transfer from deeply phenotyped international biobanks to Danish cohorts, enabling more precise patient stratification and risk prediction in both research and clinical settings.

Your job
Your responsibilities will include developing and optimizing foundation models using our EIR framework, implementing various deep learning architectures for multi-modal data integration, and applying these to large-scale genomics and multi-omics datasets. You will be involved in training PLUMs on international biobanks (UKB) and transferring knowledge to Danish cohorts. Additionally, you will analyze genomic and multi-omic data, evaluate model performance, and generate interpretable predictions for downstream applications in patient stratification and precision medicine. You will develop methods for incorporating both genetic and environmental factors in predictive models while ensuring computational efficiency when scaling to biobank-sized datasets.

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

- PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Extensive expertise in developing and applying deep learning methods for multi-modal data integration, particularly with experience in large-scale human genomics and multi-omics datasets.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain computational frameworks for biobank-scale data analysis.
- Proven experience in analyzing genotype data and integrating multi-modal biological data for precision medicine applications.
- Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and design innovative research projects aligned with the group's focus areas.
- Proven leadership skills, including teaching and supervising students and researchers at various levels, along with strong project management capabilities.
- Strong publication record, showcasing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interpret and present results in a physiological context, both in writing and orally, in English.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment

The employment as Postdoc is a full-time and fixed-term position for 2 years. The starting date is July 1, 2025.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07% to your pension fund

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the "Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities" of June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Simon Rasmussen at srasmuss@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at SUND-HR-CBMR@sund.ku.dk.

International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/ .

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking 'Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate.

4. List of publications

Application deadline: 15 April 2025, 23.59pm CET

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 expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

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

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex

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