Postdoctoral fellowship in Machine Learning using photonic neural network architectures

The Machine Learning section of the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen (DIKU) is offering a 2 and a half year fully-funded postdoctoral position in applied Machine Learning and Information Retrieval, commencing 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of the research project: A digital optical computing platform for neural networks (DOLORES), which is an international collaboration between six European universities, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under grant agreement 101130178.

Description of the scientific environment
The postdoctoral fellow will join the Machine Learning Section at DIKU. The Machine Learning section is among the leading research environments in Artificial Intelligence and Web & Information Retrieval in Europe (ranked within the top 10 in Europe for the last 5 years, according to CSRankings), with a strong presence at top-tier conferences, continuous collaboration in international & national research networks, and solid synergies with big tech, small tech, and industry. The Machine Learning section consists of a vibrant selection of approximately 65 talented researchers (ca. 40 of whom are PhD and postdoctoral fellows) from around the world with a diverse set of backgrounds and a common incessant scientific curiosity and openness to innovation. DIKU is the one of the oldest Computer Science departments in Europe, founded by Turing Award Winner Peter Naur.

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research on the use and development of photonic neural network architectures for applied machine learning in, for instance, information retrieval, recommender systems or NLP. The research will involve developing new algorithms that are compatible with photonic neural network architectures.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Christina Lioma at c.lioma@di.ku.dk.

Job description
Supervision of bachelor and master theses and teaching are encouraged, but not required. Travel funding and computing resources are covered.

The University of Copenhagen is currently expanding strongly in computer science. We expect to have tenure-track openings in the very near future, and welcome postdoctoral researchers interested in exploring such opportunities.

Formal requirements
Postdoctoral applicants should have or be about to receive a PhD degree in a subject relevant for the research area, e.g. computer science, physics, or mathematics. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in applied Machine Learning, Information Retrieval and/or photonic information processing. Successful candidates are expected to be highly fluent in the use of neural networks. The candidate should have a strong research record as witnessed by publications in top venues.

The University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest institution of research and education in Denmark. It is a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities, alongside the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Yale, and has produced 10 Nobel prize winners. Various academic rankings see the University of Copenhagen as one of the top leading institutions in Europe and the world, and its study programs meet the most stringent international standards for higher education based on Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurances in the European Higher Education Area and the Danish Accreditation Institution guidelines.  

Life in Copenhagen, Denmark
International surveys repeatedly rank Denmark among the world’s happiest countries, with high level of social and gender equality, community spirit, and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, buzzing with culture, sustainable living, modern architecture, royal history, and a mouthwatering restaurant scene.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. 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 18,06% to your pension fund.

Application Procedure
The application, in English, should be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae.
• Diploma and transcripts of records (PhD, MSc and BSc, or equivalent).
• List of publications, including links to the applicant’s pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
• Brief letter of interest (maximum 1 page).
• Copies of the 3 selected research papers.
• Two recent signed reference letters, with contact details of the referees.

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

The deadline for applications is 15 June 2025 , 23:59 GMT +1.  

Questions
Inquiries about the positions can be made to Prof. Christina Lioma at c.lioma@di.ku.dk.

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