Postdoc of Computer Science fra Roskilde Universitet
Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as postdoc of Computer Science from December 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as postdoc is limited to a period of two years.
Background of the research project
Modern backend systems rely heavily on SQL databases, yet their energy footprint is poorly understood. With ICT’s energy use soaring, it is urgent to address the sustainability of database queries. The GREENSQL project tackles this challenge by combining reproducible measurements with advanced AI models to estimate, validate, and optimize the energy consumption of SQL queries for both research and industry use.The project is funded by Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC), through its Next Generation of AI initiatives.
Your specific role and responsibilities at RUC
As a postdoctoral researcher at Roskilde University, you will lead the benchmark and reproducible energy data in GREENSQL. This includes designing benchmark suites and a measurement infrastructure for SQL queries in different contexts (raw, dynamic, and embedded), and collecting and analysing energy data that captures the key factors driving query-level energy consumption.You are expected to publish and present your results at leading international conferences and journals in sustainable computing, databases, and software engineering. You will also contribute to the joint catalogue of energy-aware SQL optimizations together with Aalborg University and the Software Improvement Group.
Collaborative context (internal and external partners)
The successful candidate will be a member of the research group Programming, Logic and Intelligent Systems, read more on https://forskning.ruc.dk/en/organisations/programmering-logik-og-intelligente-systemer/persons/.
You will work in close collaboration with Aalborg University, whose AI models build directly on the datasets you produce, ensuring that the measurements gain explanatory power and scientific validation. You will also collaborate with the Software Improvement Group through regular interaction and short research visits, with the purpose of ensuring that measurements and benchmarks reflect realistic query workloads and industry practices.This collaboration will provide opportunities to engage with both academic and industrial communities, broadening your research network and strengthening your international profile. In relation to the collaboration, occasional travel is expected.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within computer science, software engineering, physics or another relevant area. The ideal candidate is expected to demonstrate:
- Expertise with SQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite) and query execution and optimisation (execution plans, indexing, cost models)
- Proven experience in benchmark design or experimental evaluation of data systems or software
- Hands-on skills in experimental measurement, reproducibility, and transparent data management.
- Competence in data analysis and statistics for experimental results (e.g., regression, uncertainty/variance analysis, significance testing).
- Experience with energy or performance measurement of computing systems (e.g., RAPL, external power meters, GPU/nvidia-smi) and including interpreting energy–time trade-offs.
- Demonstrated ability to write and publish high-quality research and to present results to technical audiences in English.
The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.
AssessmentIn the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to;
- scientific production and research prospective,
- the ability to promote and utilize research results,
- ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Associate Professor Maja H Kirkeby on tel. (+45) 4674 2515 / majaht@ruc.dk or Head of Section Morten Hertzum on tel. ( +45) 4674 3158 / mhz@ruc.dk.
Head of Department Peter Kjær on tel. (+45) 2077 5974 / pkjaer@ruc.dk
Terms of employmentThe employment is on full time, and you will refer to Peter Kjær, Head of the institute.
The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.
Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.
The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
ApplicationTo apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/
Only applications in English are accepted.
Applications must include:- Cover letter
- CV
- Documentation of education
- Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here)
- A complete list of publications
- A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment
If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)
Please submit your application no later than 28 September 2025.
Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Roskilde Universitets fornemmeste opgave er eksperimenterende, nyskabende former for læring, forskning og problemløsning, som flytter samfundet fremad. Vi uddanner kompetente tværfaglige kandidater og skaber videnskabelige resultater af højeste kvalitet gennem åbenhed, involvering og videndeling.
Roskilde Universitet har ca. 6.900 studerende, 900 ansatte og 888 mio. kr. i årlig omsætning.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex