Postdoc in Bayesian Networks for Environmental Health Research - DTU Food

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU National Food Institute seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop quantitative weight-of-evidence approaches based on Bayesian networks for environmental burden of disease studies. The role focuses on integrating evidence from toxicology and epidemiology to evaluate health impacts of environmental chemicals, with a PFAS case study.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in statistics or related fields, has experience with Bayesian methods, and excels in interdisciplinary teamwork and rigorous,

Qualifications

• PhD required in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, data science, ML, systems biology, quantitative epidemiology, or related field.
• Experience with Bayesian methods and Bayesian networks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Research on Bayesian networks to integrate diverse evidence in environmental burden of disease assessments.
• Develop quantitative weight-of-evidence framework accounting for uncertainty.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with project partners and organize virtual meetings.

Skills

Bayesian methods

Bayesian networks

Analytical skills

Independence

Education

PhD in statistics or related field

Job description

Job Description

How can diverse and sometimes conflicting sources of scientific evidence be transparently integrated to support robust environmental health assessments? We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop innovative quantitative weight-of-evidence approaches based on Bayesian networks for environmental burden of disease studies. The project aims to establish a novel framework for transparently and quantitatively integrating evidence from toxicology and epidemiology for evaluating the health impacts of environmental chemicals.

Job Description

How can diverse and sometimes conflicting sources of scientific evidence be transparently integrated to support robust environmental health assessments? We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop innovative quantitative weight-of-evidence approaches based on Bayesian networks for environmental burden of disease studies. The project aims to establish a novel framework for transparently and quantitatively integrating evidence from toxicology and epidemiology for evaluating the health impacts of environmental chemicals.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

You will conduct research on the use of Bayesian networks to integrate diverse sources of evidence from toxicology and epidemiology in environmental burden of disease assessments. The primary objective is to develop a quantitative and transparent weight-of-evidence framework that explicitly accounts for uncertainty in the evidence. You will apply and demonstrate the framework through a case study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The work will involve:

• Investigating the use of Bayesian networks for quantitative weight-of-evidence assessment of associations between environmental chemical exposures and adverse human health outcomes.
• Developing methods for integrating quantitative weight-of-evidence approaches into environmental burden of disease assessments.
• Developing probabilistic environmental burden of disease model(s) for PFAS in collaboration with other project team members.
• Organizing and facilitating virtual meetings with international project partners.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Presenting and disseminating research findings at international conferences and scientific meetings.

The ideal candidate:

• Has documented experience with Bayesian methods, preferably including Bayesian networks.
• Has an interest in applying quantitative methods to environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology, and/or risk assessment.
• Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills and is able to work independently.
• Thrives in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Works in a structured and detail-oriented manner.
• Has excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). We expect the degree to be in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, data science, machine learning, systems biology, quantitative epidemiology, quantitative risk assessment, or related discipline.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures .

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date will be in the beginning of 2027 or by agreement. The position is a full-time position.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher, Sofie Theresa Thomsen on [e-mail]

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU National Food Institute

DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.