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.