Postdoctoral Position in Econometrics and Causal Inference

Introduction

The Department of Economics at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH, https://www.econ.ku.dk/) invites applications for a

two-year postdoctoral position

in

econometrics and causal inference

, starting

July 2026

or earlier by mutual agreement. The position carries

no teaching duties

, allowing full focus on research.

This postdoc is part of the research project Robust Causal Inference with High-Dimensional Covariates, funded by an

Independent Research Fund Denmark

grant. The project is led by Associate Professor Jesper Riis-Vestergaard Sørensen (UCPH) with

Professor Denis Chetverikov (UCLA)

as external collaborator.

Brief project description

The project develops new methods for causal inference when covariates are high-dimensional – settings in which traditional estimators often face limitations. We focus on

regularized calibration (RCAL)

, a state-of-the-art approach to estimating treatment effects, and identify a key robustness issue: in many empirically relevant cases, RCAL

admits no solution

. The project has two aims:

1. Rigorous feasibility analysis:

   Theoretically and via simulations, characterize the conditions under which RCAL is infeasible or otherwise faces limitations.

2. New robust estimators:

   Design estimators that ensure feasibility and support reliable causal inference even with numerous covariates.

We will explore novel combinations of regularization and estimation criteria, establish their statistical properties, and evaluate performance on both simulated and empirical data. Beyond advancing

econometric theory

, the project aims to deliver

practical tools

for applied researchers in

education, health, and policy evaluation

.

The postdoc will join the

Econometric Theory and Methods Unit (ETMU)

at UCPH
(https://www.economics.ku.dk/research/ResearchCentres/econometric-theory-and-methods-unit/).

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in econometrics and causal inference, with outputs targeting publications in top international journals.
• Contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of new techniques and algorithms for estimation and inference, including theoretical work, simulations, and empirical applications.
• Present findings at international conferences and engage in dissemination (e.g., seminars, workshops, open-source code or replication packages where appropriate).
• Participate actively in the department’s vibrant academic environment, including seminars, workshops, and interactions with visiting scholars.
• Be based in Copenhagen for most of the appointment – we value in-person collaboration and a strong presence in the research group.

Your Competencies and Opportunities

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Hold a PhD in Economics, Statistics, or a closely related field by the start date (
  

  a PhD degree is required).

• Have a
  

  research background

  in

  econometrics

  ,

  causal inference

  ,

  or

  related areas

  .

• Demonstrate
  

  strong theoretical research skills

  (e.g., asymptotic theory, regularization methods, semiparametric inference), and ideally experience with

  high-dimensional econometrics, machine learning

  , or

  advanced causal inference methods

  .

• Demonstrate the
  

  ability and motivation to

  pursue independent research

  ideas that align with and extend the project’s scope.

What we offer:

• Close collaboration with an
  

  active research group

  and the freedom to develop

  independent projects

  within the broad scope of the grant.

• Close collaboration with senior researchers and opportunities to build an
  

  international network

  .

• Generous funding

  for conference participation and other academic activities.

• A stimulating,
  

  international research environment

  in a highly collegial department.

• A
  

  competitive salary

  with

  pension contributions

  ; Denmark provides

  free health insurance

  to all legal residents.

• A
  

  central campus

  location in Copenhagen, a welcoming, cycling-friendly, and culturally rich city with a high quality of life.

Strategy of the Faculty of the Social Sciences

The Department of Economics is part of the Faculty of the Social Sciences. The Faculty is a successful academic community that strives to put knowledge into action by:

• Engaging partners in the co-creation of knowledge, learning and social change.
• Empowering our students to become reflective and responsible citizens who have the vision, the knowledge and the competences to change society for the better.
• Energizing global, European and Danish communities of knowledge by innovating research methodologies and by research findings with impact

Terms of Employment

• Further information on qualification requirements as postdoc can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2019 here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit/dokumenter/Ministerial_Order_no._1443_of_11_December_2019_on_Job_Structure_for_Academic_Staff_at_Universities.pdf
• Terms of appointment and salary is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• The salary range starts at DKK 39,200 per month, (approximately EUR 5,250) + a 18.07 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.

The recruitment process

Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see https://employment.ku.dk/working-at-ucph/eu-charter-for-researchers/

International applicant?

The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: https://ism.ku.dk/

Contact Information

For questions about the recruitment process, contact

HR

at HR-SOENDRE@adm.ku.dk, and please refer to

ID number: 211-2449/26-2I #2

.
For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Jesper Riis-Vestergaard Sørensen using the

email:

jrvs@econ.ku.dk.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via our

online portal

. Please click the

[Apply now]

button on the vacancy page to begin your application. Documents must be uploaded as Adobe PDF or Word files.

Your application (in English) must include:

• Cover letter

  (maximum one page)

• Curriculum vitae

• PhD degree certificate

  and

  Master’s degree certificate

  . If the PhD has not yet been completed, a

  written statement from your supervisor

  confirming completion before the start date is acceptable.

• Transcript of grades

  for PhD studies (if applicable)

• Research statement

  (maximum two pages)

• Job market paper

  or other

  writing sample

• Up to three letters of recommendation

Deadline:

Applications must be received by

23:59 (CET/CEST)

on

19. February 2026

.
Applications or enclosures received thereafter will not be considered.

Denne stilling er publiceret af KU-CENTER FOR SUNDHED OG SAMFUND via jobnet.dk