211-2450/26-2I Postdoc in Biomedical modelling of the human colon and surrounding organs Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Modelling of the Human Colon and Surrounding Organs

The Department of Computer Science invites applications for a unique postdoctoral position focused on the development of digital models of the human colon and surrounding organs to simulate their behavior during colonoscopy procedures. The successful candidate will contribute to the creation of high-fidelity computational models that support the development of colonoscopy simulation environments. These environments will be used for testing robotic colonoscopy devices, training clinicians, and enabling autonomous task development for colonoscopy robots.

The role presents several technical and interdisciplinary challenges. These challenges include accurate segmentation of organs from medical images; generation of simulation-ready surface and volumetric meshes from segmentations; and modeling realistic boundary conditions, particularly the interaction between the colon and surrounding organs during colonoscopy. The position also requires close communication with clinicians and an international team of engineers and researchers involved in the development of multiple simulators and robotic systems.

The modeling work demands the ability to analyze diverse types of biomedical data and to develop computational models that capture organ anatomy and behavior. Collaboration with clinicians is essential to understand the clinical context, underlying biology, and to validate the developed models. Equally important is collaboration with technical researchers to integrate the digital models into different simulation environments and to support the testing and training of medical robotic systems.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in medical image analysis and biomedical data processing, including knowledge of organ physiology and biology—particularly of the colon. Required expertise includes organ segmentation methods (both traditional and machine learning–based), advanced mesh generation techniques for simulation, and experience with biomedical simulation, both virtual and physical. Experience with laboratory and clinical validation of models is expected, as well as in designing and running user studies with clinicians. Knowledge of medical robotics will be considered a significant asset, as the developed models will serve as development and testing platforms for robotic colonoscopy systems. The ability to work effectively within a large, international and interdisciplinary research team is essential.

This postdoctoral position is part of the European project “Intelligent Robotic Endoscopes for Improved Healthcare Services”, coordinated by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen. Funded through the Horizon Europe programme, this four-year project involves a consortium of nine academic and industrial partners across Europe.

The selected candidate will join a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative research team within the Department of Computer Science, internationally recognized for its work in medical imaging and simulation technologies. The team brings together experts from multiple disciplines, fostering a stimulating environment for innovation and interdisciplinary research. Regular meetings and workshops ensure strong coordination and alignment with project goals. Senior researchers and professors provide mentorship and guidance, supporting both scientific excellence and career development.

The team is embedded within a broader international research network, offering opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners in countries including France, Germany, and Spain. A strong emphasis is placed on developing practical and innovative solutions that translate into real-world clinical impact.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to make significant contributions to the project's research objectives, demonstrating both technical excellence and collaborative ability. Key performance expectations include:

• Research Excellence: The primary objective is to make impactful contributions to medical simulation and patient care, including the publication of high-quality research and the potential development of deployable technologies or methodologies.
• Career Development: The candidate is encouraged to actively pursue professional growth through mentorship, networking, and institutional development opportunities.
• Collaborative Engagement: Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project, strong teamwork skills are essential. The candidate is expected to contribute actively to discussions, share expertise, and support a positive research environment.
• Effective Communication: The candidate must be able to clearly communicate research outcomes to both technical and non-technical audiences, through high-quality scientific writing and presentations at conferences and workshops.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Robotics, Computer Science or a closely related field
• Strong background in medical image analysis and biomedical data analysis, with demonstrated experience in organ segmentation from medical images, using both traditional and machine learning–based methods, and creation of large segmentation dataset.
• Expertise in mesh generation from segmented organs for simulation, including surface and volumetric meshes
• Experience in biomedical simulation, including modeling of anatomical structures and boundary conditions, preferable for the gastrointestinal tract. Ability to analyze large heterogeneous biomedical datasets and develop computational models of organ anatomy and behavior
• Solid understanding of organ anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal system and colon
• Experience with medical robotic systems, particularly in the context of development, testing, or simulation-based validation
• Experience collaborating with clinicians to understand clinical requirements, to validate the models and to run user studies
• Proven experience in large EU-funded collaborative projects, ideally including leadership of one work packages.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international research teams

The position is open from 1 August-2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, The position is time limited for 2 years.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Candidates coming from abroad may be eligible for tax reductions under the special tax scheme for researchers in Denmark. This scheme offers favorable tax rates for a set period, providing financial benefits for international researchers. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the relevant Danish tax authority website.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 11 February 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.