Postdoc in the Ethics and Epistemology of Algorithmic Prediction of Psychiatric Diagnoses Full-time

Postdoctoral Position on Ethics and Epistemology of AI in Psychiatric Diagnosis

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 2.5-year postdoc position on the ethics and epistemology of using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict psychiatric diagnoses. The postdoc will be placed in the Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance.

The position is funded through the Algorithms and the Individual in Psychiatric Diagnosis project funded by Independent Research Foundation Denmark.

In recent years, there has been significant advances in the development of machine learning (ML) algorithms for risk prediction in relation to disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Should these algorithms find practical application, they have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and to identify the best treatment for patients. The project will examine a foundational normative question about the use of algorithms for psychiatric diagnosis: Is it ever morally permissible to act on a (possibly mistaken) algorithmic prediction of a mental disorder, and if so, under what circumstances?

The project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the epistemic and ethical justification for relying on algorithmic predictions in psychiatric diagnoses. The postdoc will be expected to work on the following tasks: (i) The epistemological criticism of statistical evidence, (ii) the proper role of algorithmic predictions in the clinical encounter, and (iii) the validity of algorithmic diagnosis of mental disorders.

As a postdoc in the project, you will be part of an open-minded and interdisciplinary research group comprising postdocs and senior researchers working on ensuring responsible development and use of AI in psychiatry and elsewhere. The Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance at IFRO is located at Frederiksberg Campus. It comprises scholars from a range of fields including economics, sociology, law, and philosophy and provides a welcoming environment with several social events every year.

Physical presence at IFRO is considered as a natural part of being an employee to contribute to a welcoming, socially pleasant, creative and innovative work environment. IFRO offers possibility for flexibility and working from home, but an employee is expected to regularly be present physically at IFRO.

The postdoc's duties will include research on the tasks outlined in the project as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD in philosophy
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and an open mindset towards interdisciplinary collaboration
• Good communication skills, both regarding scientific communication and communication for a broader audience
• Preferably, experience working on topics of relevance to the topic, e.g., the epistemic status of purely statistical evidence, epistemic injustice, the right to be treated as an individual, and the validity of current diagnostic criteria of mental disorders.

Applicants must be prepared for further security screening related to international research collaborations as part of the recruitment process when UCPH considers it appropriate from a holistic consideration.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ifro.ku.dk/english/

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department Per Svejstrup, psh@ifro.ku.dk or Associate Professor Sune Holm, suneh@ifro.ku.dk

The position is open from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

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 15 June 2026, 23:59 GMT+2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Interviews will be held in August 2026.