PhD Project in understanding the life-cycle of dust

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Astrophysics and Planetary Science at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in cosmic dust.

Start date is (expected to be) 01.09.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Project

Cosmic dust is critical to the evolution of the universe; it catalyses the formation of stars, planets, and molecules, and, by absorbing half of all emitted light, fundamentally alters the appearance of galaxies. But where this dust comes from is still unknown. In this project, we will use a combination of models, theory, and observations to explore how elements heavier than Helium are efficiently sequestered in cosmic dust grains, and study their dynamics and evolution in star forming regions.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for candidates with an interest in star formation, the interstellar medium, the chemical evolution of galaxies, and/or computational astrophysics. The PhD student will be encouraged and supported to develop and take ownership of their project. They will receive support to travel to international conferences, build a network, and visit collaborators.

Our Group and Research - What Do We Offer?

The computational astrophysics group uses models to unravel the dominating physical processes that drive the formation of stars and planets, the evolution of accretion disks, and determine the structure of the interstellar medium. In silicio digital twins of the Universe allow us to develop better theory and interpret the complex observations of young stars, molecular clouds, and protoplanetary disks. We develop our own state-of-the-art multi-physics codes that scale to millions of CPU cores.

Our research facilities include the 10,000 core Tycho supercomputer, and we complement that with computational time obtained competitively at the largest supercomputers across Europe.

The group is a part of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen at the newly inaugurated Niels Bohr Building. A&Ps areas of research include, but are not limited to: observations, simulations and theory of star and planet formation, protoplanetary discs, exploration of Mars and the Solar System, exoplanets, astrochemistry, cosmic dust, and astrophysical fluid dynamics. Students are encouraged to interact with scientists at other research centers: we are located on the same floor as the other astrophysics sections, DARK and DAWN, and have strong ties to the GLOBE institute Center for Star and Planet Formation.

The Niels Bohr Institute offers competitive, creative, and stimulating working conditions in a global research environment. We have a strong focus on inclusion, diversity, and openness. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to background, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age.

Principal Supervisor is Associate Professor Troels Haugbølle, Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Niels Bohr Institute, E-mail:

Qualifications Needed
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. physics or astronomy. For information on the eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of Employment in the Regular Programme
Employment as a PhD fellow is full time and for a maximum of 3 years. Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We Are Looking for the Following Qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in star formation and computational astrophysics
• Other relevant professional activities

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please Include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
• Reference letters (if available)

The deadline for applications is 15 December 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline or submitted outside the application system, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The Further Process
After the deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment. The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills, and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in January 2025.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Employment Start: 01-09-2025

Working Hours: Full time