PhD fellowship in applied deep learning for image analysis at Department of Drug Design and Pha

Overview

PhD fellowship in applied deep learning for image analysis at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. A three-year PhD fellowship commencing 1 December 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project description

The PhD project is a joint effort between the Eye Translational Research Unit at the University of Copenhagen, the Section for Visual Computing at DTU Compute, and the Danish Glaucoma Association. It is part of the FOREVER project and focuses on explainability of multimodal deep learning models for eye diseases based on fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. Data are collected from the FOREVER cohort, including multiple modalities such as OCT, fundus images, and electronic health records from customers of a high-street optician chain. The work includes investigating existing explainability methods for vision models in ophthalmology, implementing methods and developing new methods for visual and multimodal explanations and user interactions, and evaluating explainability methods in practice through engagement with clinical user groups.

• Investigate existing explainability methods for vision models used in ophthalmology
• Implement existing methods and develop new methods for visual and multimodal explanations and user interactions
• Evaluate explainability methods in practice with clinical user groups using questionnaires or interviews

As a PhD student on this project, you will work with a team of researchers, clinicians, and data scientists on data management and analysis, model development, and model evaluation. You will apply state-of-the-art deep learning methods to the FOREVER dataset, and publish findings in academic journals and present at national and international meetings and conferences. The role involves time between DTU Compute and the University of Copenhagen.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses or equivalent education totaling approximately 30 ECTS
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research team (preferably abroad)
• Obtain experience with teaching or dissemination related to the PhD project
• Teach undergraduate students at the department
• Write the PhD thesis based on the project

Qualifications and ideal candidate

Key criteria: qualifications corresponding to a master's degree related to the subject area (e.g., computer science, biomedical engineering, data science, mathematics). Master's degree must be equivalent to a Danish master's degree (two years).

The ideal candidate will have:

• Programming experience in Python
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and libraries such as scikit-learn, preferably for image analysis
• High motivation and innovation
• Experience with explainable AI is a plus
• Knowledge in human–computer interaction is a plus
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams
• Team player who shares knowledge with colleagues

Other important criteria: relevant professional qualifications, work experience, publications, master's degree GPA, and a curious mindset with interest in medical image analysis and development of advanced analytical algorithms with clear clinical goals.

Place of employment

Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Access to modern facilities and an international research environment.

Terms of employment

Full-time, 37 hours per week. Fixed-term for 3 years. Employment conditional on enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Salary starts at approximately 30,800 DKK per month plus pension (April 2025 level), depending on seniority.

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted electronically in English and include the following PDFs: a motivation letter (max one page), CV with education and experience, certified copies of master diploma and transcript (with English translation if applicable), publication list (if possible), and references. The deadline is 3 September 2025 at 23:59 CET. Applicants may be asked for an education assessment if from abroad.

For questions, contact the principal supervisor Miriam Kolko ) or PhD coordinator Marianne W. Jørgensen ).

General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School's guidelines page. Information on working and living in Denmark is available from international staff resources and Work in Denmark.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of background.

Deadline: 3 September 2025 | Start: 1 December 2025 | Working hours: Full-time

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