PhD Fellowship in Causal Inference (SMARTbiomed Pioneer Centre)

About the role

The Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a three‑year PhD fellowship focused on causal inference within the SMARTbiomed Pioneer Centre. The project develops new methods for analysing complex longitudinal survival data from Danish health registries, with a particular emphasis on combination drug therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Key responsibilities

• Design and conduct an independent research project under joint supervision.
• Complete PhD coursework amounting to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participate in an active research environment, including a research stay at a partner team.
• Gain teaching and dissemination experience related to the project.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on the research outcomes.

Required profile

• Statistical background with solid training in mathematical statistics and biostatistics.
• Proven ability to perform theoretical and applied statistical work.
• Proficiency in programming with R.
• Interest in communicating research through teaching, conference presentations, and scientific publications.
• Knowledge of clinical trials and collaborative research experience is a plus.

Required skills

• R programming
• Statistical modelling
• Causal inference methods
• Random forest techniques
• Targeted learning approaches

What we offer

• Integration in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Access to nationwide Danish health registries.
• Collaboration with leading experts in biostatistics, mathematics, and clinical epidemiology.