Postdoc of Computer Science: Geometric models for non-diffeomorphic shape evolution and shape models in plant science, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

Postdoc of Computer Science: Geometric models for non-diffeomorphic shape evolution and shape models in plant science, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

The department of computer science (DIKU) invites applicants for a 24 month postdoctoral fellowship in geometric models for non-diffeomorphic shape evolution and shape models in plant science. The postdoc will perform research in relation to the research projects morphAI and DIGIFABA.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the project field as well as limited teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to [head of department].

Start date is expected to be approximately December 1st, 2025.

The project
The morphAI project aims to create the methodological foundation for using modern AI and data science techniques for modeling morphological variation. Part of this is to model non-diffeomorphic variation in a mathematically rigorous way that preserves the geometric foundation for diffeomorphic shape analysis. In the DIGIFABA project, we will adapt infinite-dimensional shape models based on actions of diffeomorphisms to plan shape analysis, allowing statistical analysis of plant shape and e.g. regression analysis on the effect of external variables on the plant growth.

The postdoc project will span between these areas with a common focus on advanced shape models, both in terms of mathematical modeling, actual application, and numerical implementation. Part of this is to bridge between the pure mathematical description of shape and biologically relevant features. The developed shape models need to allow efficient numerical implementations, and numerical implementation is an important part of the work. It is the aim that the implemented models should be available in accessible open-source software packages.

The ideal postdoc will have extensive prior experience in the above fields with particular emphasis on the geometry of shape models. It is important that you find using advanced mathematical tools to solve biological questions interesting. In addition, it is important that the postdoc is ambitious and able to actively collaborate with the other project participants, both on the applied and mathematical sides. Finally, a strong desire to execute and get the work done is necessary. Physical presence at the workplace is expected.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for excellent candidates with a PhD degree in the fields of statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields that in addition have

• top-of-the-line publication record in top journals and top conferences within computer science, mathematics, or statistics,
• a wish to apply advanced mathematics, statistics and machine learning techniques in biology and to work with modelling data, e.g. 2D images and 3D scans
• demonstrated theoretical contributions within the above fields
• demonstrated strength within computer implementation of numerical algorithms
• be creative, solution oriented and able to work both independently and in research teams
• be ambitious and have a wish to work with a world-leading team in Copenhagen

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
You will be part of a world-leading research group on analysis of morphological variation. In addition to senior researchers, the group hosts multiple junior researchers (PhDs and postdocs), and master students. We offer an exciting research environment where you will get the chance to apply mathematical and computational tools to solve important theoretical, methodological, and applied problems, and thereby change the way morphological information is used to extract information.

The group is a part of the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment

Further information on the Department is linked at http://di.ku.dk . Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Stefan Sommer, DIKU, E-mail: sommer@di.ku.dk , Direct Phone: +45 21179125.

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 Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

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 31 July 2025, 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/.