Postdoctoral Researcher - School Choice Modeling and Simulation

**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.