Description

The Niels Bohr International Academy (NBIA) at the Niels Bohr Institute invites expressions of interest for a three-year PhD fellowship in theoretical and gravitational wave astrophysics. The appointment is expected to begin in fall 2027, but other starting dates can be negotiated.

The PhD fellow will join the Theoretical Astrophysics Group led by Martin Pessah and develop research projects as part of a major expansion supported by an ERC Advanced Grant and the Carlsberg Foundation’s Semper Ardens Accomplish Grant. A main goal of the program is to bring together astrophysical fluid dynamics and gravitational wave astrophysics to understand the environments leading to compact binary mergers, from stellar-mass compact objects to supermassive black holes. A central focus is the formation, evolution, and observable signatures of black-hole binaries in turbulent, magnetized disks around supermassive black holes. Candidates with relevant expertise from other areas will receive full consideration.

We seek a motivated candidate with a strong background in physics, astrophysics, or a related field and an interest in theoretical research. Relevant research interests include astrophysical fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, accretion theory, compact-object dynamics, gravitational wave astrophysics, and computational astrophysics. We welcome candidates whose complementary expertise would open new directions within the broader program. 

The fellow will receive research training and mentoring, attend PhD courses, and participate in teaching or other forms of scientific communication. There will also be opportunities to attend international workshops and PhD schools. The fellow will have access to travel funding and the Tycho high-performance computing facility, which includes more than 10,000 CPU cores and GPU resources.

NBIA is an international center for fundamental research in theoretical physics. NBIA provides an open intellectual environment where researchers can pursue their own questions and exchange ideas across disciplines. It brings together scientists across astrophysics, gravitational physics, particle astrophysics, quantum sciences, biophysics and soft matter physics. NBIA also hosts seminars, international visitors, workshops, and PhD schools. Its research in black-hole dynamics, gravitational-wave modeling, and multimessenger astrophysics offers further opportunities for collaboration. NBIA members interact and collaborate with the larger community of scientists in Copenhagen, including the Center of Gravity, DAWN, DARK, and StarPlan.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, publication list, and a research statement describing previous achievements, future directions, and connections to the program via Academic Jobs Online by December 15, 2026. Expressions of interest received after this date may also be considered. Applicants should hold a MSc in astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field by the starting date of the appointment.

Employees at the University of Copenhagen receive a competitive salary, including pension. Denmark offers generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, six weeks of paid vacation, and access to public healthcare. Eligible international researchers may also benefit from Denmark’s special researcher tax scheme. Copenhagen is a beautiful, family-friendly city with a large international community, a lively and diverse cultural scene, and a very high quality of life.

The University of Copenhagen welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of personal background.

Scientific inquiries may be addressed to Martin Pessah (mpessah@nbi.ku.dk) with email subject ASTRO27PHD