Postdoc in AI Ethics

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 2,5-year postdoc position in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics. The postdoc will be placed in the Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance.

The position is funded through the TrustMind project funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, https://lundbeckfonden.com/news/120-million-dkk-interdisciplinary-brain-research/melanie-ganz-benjaminsen The project aims to develop an AI algorithm for mental health screening, specifically targeting Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A key component of the project is to integrate ethical and legal considerations in algorithm assessment. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of researchers the candidate will provide an ethical assessment of the AI algorithm developed in the project in light of the four general principles of trustworthy AI rooted in fundamental rights outlined in the EU ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI: (1) Respect for human autonomy, (2) Prevention of harm, (3) Fairness, and (4) Explicability. In addition, the postdoc will compare AI Act requirements with EU ethics guidelines in collaboration with the legal scholars in the project.

As a postdoc in the TrustMind project you will be part of an open-minded and interdisciplinary research group comprising eight postdocs and four senior researchers working on ensuring responsible development and use of AI in psychiatry. The Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance at IFRO is located at Frederiksberg Campus. It comprises scholars from a range of fields including economics, sociology, law, and philosophy and provides a welcoming environment with several social events every year.

Physical presence at IFRO is considered as a natural part of being an employee to contribute to a welcoming, socially pleasant, creative and innovative work environment. IFRO offers possibility for flexibility and working from home, but an employee is expected to regularly be present physically at IFRO.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within AI ethics as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD in philosophy or related fields
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and an open mindset towards collaboration with other project participants
• Good communication skills, both regarding scientific communication and communication for a broader audience
• Preferably, experience of relevance to the topic, e.g., analyzing ethical and societal issues in AI either in the light of theories of philosophical ethics and/or by means of social science methods

Applicants must be prepared for further security screening related to international research collaborations as part of the recruitment process when UCPH considers it appropriate from a holistic consideration.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ifro.ku.dk/english/

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department Per Svejstrup, psh@ifro.ku.dk  or Associate Professor Sune Holm, suneh@ifro.ku.dk

The position is open from 1 April 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The position is full-time 37 hours per week.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 12 January 2026, 23:59 GMT+1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

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

Interviews will be held in February 2026.