Postdoc Position in Responsive Healthcare Technology

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invite applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position in Responsive Healthcare Technology. The position centers on advancing deep learning applications in healthcare technology, with a particular emphasis on intent sensing and wearable devices. The role involves developing and implementing sophisticated deep learning algorithms to interpret and predict user intentions from biometric data collected through wearables. Researchers will work on integrating multi-modal data sources, enhancing real-time data processing, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of intent detection systems. The goal is to create innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes by providing personalized, proactive healthcare interventions based on user intent and behavior patterns.

The position is located at SDU Need-driven Innovation Lab (NIL), a section of the Department of Technology and Innovation. Starting date is around November 1, 2024, in Odense, Denmark.

The application deadline is September 23, 2024, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Job description and responsibilities

We are looking for an individual who is enthusiastic about applying data science techniques for control of novel medical systems, whilst also solving prediction problems under uncertainty. Experience in biomedical engineering, intent sensing and/or wearables is desirable. The NIL group also has members at the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and therefore willingness to travel as well as collaborate across borders is essential. 

The NIL is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.  The role will form a key part of our friendly, collaborative, energetic research group, with the applicant working closely with our students, research collaborators, and industrial partners. 

Responsibilities

Specific Duties

• Develop new techniques for intent sensing for healthcare technologies.
• Test hypotheses and analyse data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate
• Engage with industrial stakeholders to understand needs and disseminate results
• Organise and deliver user system trials and demonstrations
• Plan and participate in medical device trials. 

Additional Duties

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and      refining working hypotheses as appropriate
• Contribute ideas for new research projects
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters 
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
• The researcher will have the opportunity to undertake teaching (this can include lecturing, demonstrating, small-group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of masters projects in collaboration with principal investigators). 
• Any other duties appropriate with the role.

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• Hold a relevant PhD/DPhil or be near completion* together with relevant experience
• Possess knowledge in probabilistic modelling, data science, wearables or intent sensing.
• Knowledge or Experience in working with clinical data
• Experience in running and analysing experiments with human participants 
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings

*please note that ‘near completion’ means that you must have submitted your PhD thesis.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project
• Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication

For further information please contact: Professor Jeroen Bergmann e-mail: Jbergiti.sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-supportsdu.dk.

About SDU NIL

At SDU NIL, we are committed to making engineered solutions more intuitive and accessible to clinical users. Our research creates innovative human-in-the-loop solutions that are designed with a need-driven approach to ensure that they are fit for purpose. SDU NIL is part of The Department of Technology and Innovation.

SDU NIL is part of The Department of Technology and Innovation, which is located in green city of Odense. Odense has fast become a world leader in robotics, especially for collaborative robotics. The city has a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. Odense is one of Denmark's oldest cities dating back to the Viking Age, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 3-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

The preferred starting date is November 1, 2024. 

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. 

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material. Please include the following documents in English: 

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• Certificates/Diplomas (master’s and PhD degree) – incl. transcripts of grades in Danish and/or English. 
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant for the position. Please attach as one PDF-file for each publication (only full text publications (i.e. no links) can form the basis for assessment of the application).
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance to the position.

The application may also include:

• Summary of experience in teaching.
• Reference letters/References.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’. 

The application deadline is September 23, 2024, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to an academic position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.