Do you know how to analyze complex data and deploy web applications?

Do you enjoy building data-driven systems that turn complex research and innovation data into usable services?

If yes, the Research & Innovation Organization opens one position at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) to work as data scientist in a stimulating working environment with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

Description of the work and team

The position belongs to the 'Research Support' team of the Research & Innovation Organization (SDU RIO), a university-central research support unit. This team supports the development, grant application and implementation of international research projects. The team has worked with advanced data analysis and AI-tools for years, and developed web applications and AI-assisted support concepts for research development and support.

The position focuses on the development and operation of data-driven services that support research, innovation, and research management activities within SDU and in collaboration with national and international partners, specifically including YERUN university network. SDU RIO delivers services that help transform complex research, funding, publication, and organizational data into useful information overviews for researchers, research leaders, and research support professionals.

The position offered is multi-faceted. Strong technical competencies are required as tasks span the full data lifecycle, including data collection, integration, analysis, visualization, and the design, deployment, and maintenance of web-based applications. The successful candidate will become a core member of a team of data scientists and developers working at the intersection of data analysis, software development, and research support. In addition to hands-on technical work, the role includes engaging with users and stakeholders to understand needs, develop practical solutions, and contribute to the continued growth of the team's services and activities. The candidate is also expected to contribute to the identification of funding opportunities and the preparation of project proposals that support the development of new data-driven services and the long-term activities of the team. A good understanding of the research and innovation landscape, including research funding and research support processes, is a must.

Employed candidates are expected to perform both as individual data science experts and as team members. Sometimes, demanding tasks or deadlines may be faced, and the work may be partly remote from other team members; employed candidates are therefore expected to have excellent time management skills and to be self-driven. However, as a team member, you are never alone and can rely on your close colleagues.

Main working assignments and skills

Performance of the job requires that you can:

• Understand user needs and help design practical data-driven solutions that support researchers, research leaders, and research support professionals.

• Develop analytical tools, web applications, and AI-assisted services.

• Design and manage data pipelines, databases, and associated data services for the collection, integration, processing, storage, and dissemination of research and innovation data.

• Analyze complex datasets and transform them into useful insights, visualizations, and decision-support tools.

• Deploy, monitor, debug, and optimize web applications and container-based services to ensure performance, stability, and security.

• Contribute to software architecture, implementation decisions, code reviews, testing, performance optimization, and the adoption of good development practices.

• Create and maintain comprehensive and clear documentation.

• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of externally funded projects and other initiatives that support the development of the team's activities and services.

• Stay informed about developments in AI, web technologies, research information systems, and related technology trends, and share knowledge with colleagues.

Applicant's profile

We are looking for applicants who are preferentially:

• Passionate about applying advanced analytics and AI methods to solve complex challenges within research and innovation environments. 

• Experienced data scientists with good skills in Python, data engineering, text mining, statistical analysis, and data visualization. 

• Able to design and maintain robust web-based services and data platforms. 

• Experienced with Python web frameworks (such as Django or similar) 

• Experienced in deploying web applications on CI/CD, version control system like Git, as well as data visualization tools 

• Comfortable working across the full data lifecycle, from data acquisition and curation to deployment and user adoption. 

• Interested in transforming complex research, publication, funding, and organizational data into practical tools and services. 

• Experienced in natural language processing and semantic web technologies such as ontologies 

• Experienced in collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to define requirements and deliver impactful solutions. 

• Experienced in research support, research management, or research intelligence activities

• Able to contribute to collaborative projects involving multiple partners and stakeholders. 

• Proactive, self-driven, and capable of balancing independent work with strong team collaboration

• Strong communicators able to communicate complex issues to different audiences 

• Excellent spoken and written English

• Holder of a Master's degree or PhD within data science, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, or related quantitative disciplines. 

Job flexibility and working environment

The preferred location of work for the position is in Odense, Denmark. However, the position includes the option of working partially remote.

The chosen candidates will experience becoming part of a dedicated and highly competent team in a dynamic and collaborative working environment. The work will be especially close with colleagues from a small group of skilled and committed data scientist colleagues focusing on advanced data analysis, automation, and web development.

Application process and contract terms

The position is full-time (37 hours/week) and permanent with anticipated placement as Special Consultant. Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.

The deadline for application is 30/6-2026 at 11.59.59.

Interviews are expected in July.

Expected job start is as soon as possible.

The application must be written entirely in English and include the following:

• A letter of motivation, including details on qualifications within the subject area.

• A curriculum vitae incl. information on education, previous employment, list of programming skills mastered by the applicant, project management experience and references.

• A copy of the Master or PhD certificate together with any relevant professional certificates.

Only applications submitted via the University of Southern Denmark’s application system from applicants with a European working permit are considered. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Additional information

Further information about the positions can be obtained from SDU RIO team leader Esben N. Flindt (M: +45 4047 3773, E: enf@sdu.dk.

Employment shall take place in accordance with the framework agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.

We recommend that you read how to apply before you apply.

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

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.