Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as assistant professor of mathematical modeling of epidemic diseases from January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is limited until 31.05.2029.

You will be part of the PandemiX Center of Excellence, which is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) and led by professor of epidemiology Lone Simonsen. The PandemiX Center has core strengths in the use of mathematical and statistical models to study disease dissemination and impacts. The overall research objective of the Center is to investigate signature features of pathogens with pandemic potential (including historical outbreaks), to better prepare for future pandemics. We strive to make breakthroughs not hitherto possible or attempted, ranging from a profound understanding of how various types of pathogens spread in population networks, how they are best controlled, how inter-species transmission and concurrent animal outbreaks can be understood, how pathogen genomic data can inform the origin and trajectory of past emerging diseases, effects of transitioning from natural to vaccine-based immunity, to considerations of how best to secure robust population immunity in decades to come. The PandemiX Center is giving rise to a new field, pandemiology, home to a growing cadre of interdisciplinary researchers conducting basic research in these domains and ready to address pandemic threats and the inevitable next pandemic.

PandemiX is a Center of Excellence at Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University (RUC). Organisationally, the PandemiX Centre forms part of the Section of Mathematics and Physics (Mathematics and physics (IMFUFA) | Roskilde University), one of four sections within the Department. In addition to its presence at RUC, the Center also has offices at Statens Serum Institute (SSI) in Copenhagen. Thus, the position has two work locations; one at SSI and one at RUC where presence is required on Wednesdays and for relevant meetings and teaching. The PandemiX partners further include the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and North Zealand Hospital (NOH).

Read more about the PandemiX Center at https://ruc.dk/en/forskningscenter/pandemix-center.

Responsibilities and tasks
The assistant professor’s work will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within mathematics and physics. In addition to research and research-based teaching, the position also requires knowledge sharing with peers in the center,the institute, RUC and society – including participation in public debate.

The ideal candidate is expected to

• Complete the educational training programme for assistant professors at RUC (up to 220 hours).
• Have a documented interest in historical health data; prior experience with this type of research is considered an advantage
• Have a growing publication record in the field

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent within biophysics or mathematical modeling. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

• Mathematical epidemiology
• Applied mathematics
• Biophysics

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills and be a visible involved participant in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department. In addition to English, the candidate must have excellent Danish skills, both written and spoken, as working with Danish historical sources and archival material is essential for the position.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to;

• Scientific production and research prospective,
• The ability to promote and utilize research results/scientific communication,
• Experience in teaching and education,
• A track record of activities promoting scientific collaboration and interdisciplinarity.
• Other academic experience e.g. from organizing research conferences or seminars,
• Ability to contribute to development of the department’s and PandemiX’ internal and external cooperation.

We expect you to participate in the daily activities of the PandemiX Center both at the SSI office and the Department of Science and Environment at RUC and collaborate across disciplines.

Questions
For further information about the postdoc position, please contact professor Lone Simonsen Tel. +45 23 42 95 03 / E-mail: [email protected].

Terms of employment
The employment is full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to head of department Susanne Sørensen and professor Lone Simonsen. The position is limited to a period ending on May 31, 2029. The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, the salary ranges for the various job categories at Roskilde University are listed here.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Head of Department will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include: 1. Cover letter 2. CV 3. Documentation of education 4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here) 5. A complete list of publications 6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)

Please submit your application no later than 16 August 2026.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The hiring process at Roskilde University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Application deadline: Apply no later than 16. August 2026

Location: Roskilde Universitet