Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD scholarship with SDU Health Informatics and Technology, the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. The position will be part of a newly funded Horizon Europe project entitled WISDOM (https://wisdomhorizon.eu/). The planned starting date for the position is 15 August 2024. Professor Uffe Kock Wiil will be the main supervisor.

The application deadline is 13 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

The project

The WISDOM (Well-being improvement through the Integration of healthcare and reSearch Data and models with Out border for chronic iMmune-mediated diseases) project started on 1 December 2023; the project is led by Karolinska Institute in Sweden and has prominent partners from 10 different European countries.

WISDOM focuses on enabling integration of medical and research data, secure data sharing, and leveraging responsible state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI)-mediated models opens immense possibilities to mitigate the impact of chronic immune-mediated diseases (CIMDs) affecting 10% of Europeans. The consortium's overarching aim is to convert complex biological information from the existing data sources into actionable insights. WISDOM builds on the premise that computational tools can provide valuable knowledge and guide decision-making at critical stages in the individual patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment initiation and optimization. To unlock the potential of the existing data, WISDOM will address barriers of data integration and accessibility and deploy novel approaches for data processing, harmonization, integration, and secure, trustworthy data sharing with federated access.

The project efforts will lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased trust in the use of health data for research and innovation, ultimately benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and society. Additionally, by improving treatment precision, WISDOM seeks to improve patient outcomes, leading to a better quality of life for patients and potentially reducing the need for expensive interventions. The success of WISDOM could have far-reaching implications for chronic disease management and the use of health data for research and innovation, benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and society.

The PhD position

The PhD position will be centered around the decision support tool innovation and development activities in WP6. An overall codesign methodology will be used for the development and validation of prototype tools and the demonstrator resulting from the innovation activities. Relevant codesign activities will be used to ensure that the resulting tools meet the aspirations and needs of all stakeholders and are ready for future implementation in a clinical setting. The codesign activities will create innovative solutions at various stages of maturity ranging from an idea catalogue over use case scenarios and prototypes to a demonstrator that will be validated in the lab and in a relevant environment (TRL 5-6). An implementation roadmap will describe the final steps towards future implementation in clinical practice.

PhD candidates follow an individual PhD plan including course work, conference participation, and teaching. The scholarship carries a monthly salary including pension plus office facilities and financial support for conference travels and research visits abroad.
If selected for the position, you will be enrolled in the PhD programme in Software Engineering.

The ideal applicant

To qualify for the PhD scholarship, you must hold a master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.

The ideal candidate has:

  • proven software engineering skills
  • proven UI and UX skills
  • proven codesign skills
  • experience in working with external stakeholders and domain experts
  • knowledge of the health domain
  • knowledge of AI-augmented decision support tools

We are looking for a candidate who can work independently in consultation with the PhD supervisor. Candidates are also expected to have good interpersonal skills, be interested in engaging with the national and international research community, be present and contribute to the academic and social environments at the department.

About SDU Health Informatics and Technology

As a PhD student, you will become member of the research group on data-driven health technology (DDHT) with SDU Health Informatics and Technology (SDU HIT). The DDHT group focuses on: (1) intelligent monitoring and decision support; (2) predictive models for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis; and (3) digital health systems offering novel personalized data collection, treatment plans and interventions. Various skills including applied artificial intelligence and machine learning, codesign, software engineering, network science, and innovation management are deployed in different application areas including geriatrics, mental health, multiple sclerosis, cancer, cardiology, sports science, and general practice.

SDU HIT is part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute which conducts research within robotics, drone technology, artificial intelligence, I4.0, software as well as health and energy informatics.

Contact

For further information about the research project, please contact Professor Uffe Kock Wiil, phone +45 6011 3565, e-mail ukwiil@mmmi.sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

The application must be in English and include the following:

  • A letter of motivation describing previous relevant projects (max. 2 pages).
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages).
  • Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exam results, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
  • Information on experience with teaching, dissemination, or scientific publication, if applicable.
  • References, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website (max. 3).
  • Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
  • Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
  • An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
  • Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
  • You may also enclose a list of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. 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.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The application deadline is 13 June 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 a 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.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex