Postdoctoral Researcher - School Choice Modeling and Simulation
Job Description
Postdoctoral Position in School Choice and Admissions Systems Modeling
The Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on modeling and simulation of school choice and admissions systems. This two-year, full-time position begins July 1, 2026, with earlier start dates possible upon agreement.
About the Project and Position
This position is part of the "Implementation and Perception in School Choice" project, where you will collaborate with distinguished researchers including Christopher Neilson (Yale University), Mikkel Gandil (Rockwool Foundation), Hessel Oosterbeek (University of Amsterdam), and PhD student Christian Fogel Henneberg.
You will be employed at SODAS while affiliated with the Economics Department. SODAS is an interdisciplinary research, teaching, and impact center that integrates traditional social science theories with cutting-edge data science approaches. Our center hosts over 40 researchers from diverse backgrounds and provides an exceptional collaborative, international research environment supporting both research excellence and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Working under the supervision of PI Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen, you will:
- Develop and estimate structural models of school application behavior
- Simulate school admission processes under various allocation mechanisms
- Estimate causal effects of school admission outcomes and their broader societal impact
- Analyze large-scale administrative datasets
- Contribute to publications in leading academic journals
- Collaborate with project team members and international researchers
Required Qualifications
- PhD in economics, applied economics, operations research, social data science, or related field (completed before position start)
- Strong expertise in structural modeling, particularly discrete choice or matching models
- Proficiency in Python or R for data processing, modeling, and simulation
- Experience with large-scale data management and statistical analysis
- Excellent quantitative skills and programming abilities
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of or interest in education policy and school choice systems
- Experience contributing to high-impact academic publications
What We Offer
This position provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research with significant real-world policy implications. You'll join an interdisciplinary team contributing to impactful research targeting top-tier academic journals.
Faculty Strategic Vision
SODAS operates within the Faculty of Social Sciences, a dynamic academic community committed to putting knowledge into action by:
- Engaging partners in knowledge co-creation and social change
- Empowering students to become reflective, responsible citizens equipped to improve society
- Energizing global knowledge communities through innovative research methodologies and impactful findings
Employment Terms
Employment terms follow Danish university standards and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne) guidelines. Starting salary is approximately 39,200 DKK monthly plus 18.07% pension contribution, with potential for annual salary supplements through negotiation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The University of Copenhagen is committed to academic excellence and equality of opportunity. We maintain an inclusive working environment and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or ethnicity.
International Support
The University offers comprehensive services for international researchers and families, including relocation support and career counseling for partners.
Application Requirements
Submit your complete application in English through our online portal, including:
- Motivated application letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Diplomas (master's and bachelor's degrees)
- Other relevant materials
Application Deadline: January 18, 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
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About Københavns Universitet
Since 1479, the University of Copenhagen has been at the forefront of intellectual discovery, where groundbreaking research and critical thinking drive innovation that shapes our world. As one of Europe's leading research universities, we foster a dynamic international community of 5,000 researchers and 39,000 students, consistently ranking among the world's top institutions. Our university empowers both researchers and students to reach their full potential through ambitious interdisciplinary initiatives that strengthen our vibrant academic communities. We believe in research-based education, actively engaging students in cutting-edge research projects that prepare them to tackle society's most pressing challenges. Committed to environmental leadership, we are transforming our campus into one of the world's most sustainable university environments, minimizing our ecological footprint while maximizing our positive impact. Through strategic partnerships with industry and comprehensive sustainability programs, we connect students with meaningful opportunities to drive environmental innovation. At the University of Copenhagen, we champion gender equality and celebrate diversity as fundamental strengths that enrich our academic excellence and research breakthroughs.