PhD Scholarships in Software Engineering and Probabilistic Programming on Testing Scientific Software at IT University of Copenhagen

The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a PhD position starting in February 2026 or later.

We seek applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to ground-breaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.

Job description

The main objective of the project is to introduce systematic testing into the workflow of building, analyzing and diagnosing probabilistic Bayesian models designed for Monte-Carlo inference (Monte-Carlo Markov Chain, Hamiltonian Monte-Carlo) by studying semantic foundations and empirical properties of tests and by building a scalable testing library for scientists to ensure quality of models. The project is in collaboration with Copenhagen University, University of Oslo, NC State University (Raleigh) and PMC Labs.

Candidate Profile

We seek applicants with degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering or related fields with background and interest in some of the following areas:

• Bayesian Statistics: Bayesian probabilistic programming, regression models, variational inference
• Formal Methods: Semantics of probabilistic programs, probabilistic logics, model-checking and verification
• Software Engineering: Test automation, property-based testing, functional programming, domain-specific-languages, empirical software engineering

It is understood that each applicant may meet the requirements to different extents and for different reasons, and will not have experience in all of the above fields.

General information

The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.

Research Environment

The PhD positions will be placed in the highly collaborative and supportive research environment of the Software Quality Research Group ) at the IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The group's expertise spans both the software aspects of testing, formal methods, and applied Bayesian statistics. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with international researchers (including funds for extended travel).

Research at the IT University of Copenhagen

Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions. At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.

Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen

ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master's degree, spanning across these disciplines. ITU's educations are extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.

Working at the IT University

Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.

Working in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.

Salary and terms of employment

Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation's agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities. The position includes paid vacation and comes with public health insurance.

Qualification Requirements

The following qualifications are required:

• 3-year programme: candidates should have an MSc (or equivalent)
• 4-year programme: candidates should have a BSc and one year of university studies on Master level

The applicants will be employed and enrolled at the ITU University for a period of 3 or 4 years depending on the university degree level of the applicant.

Application

The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:

• A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications
• A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
• Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
• A brief statement of purpose (1-2 pages) providing evidence of independent thinking, novelty and originality in the area of testing scientific software or probabilistic programming (the project topics)
• Documentation of English proficiency (see link below to the PhD Admission Requirements)
• Relevant scientific publications or/and master thesis written by the applicant (Not required but optional)

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

Please read the guidelines for applicants carefully before filling in the application form. You can see the guidelines through this link.

The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.

Further information

Questions about the positions can be directed to professor Andrzej Wąsowski, IT University of Copenhagen, Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged.

Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR,

Application procedure

You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.

The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.

Application deadline: 25th November, at 23:59 CET.

Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for the upload of publications and other documents.

At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.