211-2408/26-2H Two PhD fellowships in Astrophysics and Planetary Science Full-time

Two PhD Fellowships in Astrophysics and Planetary Science

The Niels Bohr Institute/Astrophysics and Planetary Science section invites applicants for two PhD fellowships in the chemistry of planet formation. The project is part of the Villum Young Investigator project “Chemistry meets Astrophysics: pathways to life-enabling ingredients during planet formation”.

Project 1

The PhD project 1 will investigate how the chemical composition of planet-forming disks shapes the volatile inventories of planets. Recent observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed a surprising diversity in the chemistry of inner disks, including systems that appear depleted in water but enriched in hydrocarbons. The project will combine infrared spectroscopic observations from JWST with data from the Atacama Large (sub-)Millimeter Array (ALMA) to characterize the chemical composition and physical structure of disks around very low-mass objects. These observations will be complemented by numerical simulations to put firm constraints on the physical and chemical processes responsible for the observed diversity. The project will help establish how variations in disk chemistry influence the building blocks of planets.

Start date is (expected to be) 01.09.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project 2

The PhD project 2 will focus on characterizing the solid budget of planet-forming disks, including both ices and refractory materials. The student will analyze infrared spectroscopic observations obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), targeting a sample of protoplanetary disks. Spectral decomposition will be carried out using state-of-the-art fitting routines in combination with laboratory ice spectra, and the analysis will be complemented by radiative transfer modeling to derive ice column densities. By characterizing disk ices across a statistically significant sample, the project aims to reveal the chemical composition of the solid building blocks available for planet formation.

Start date is (expected to be) 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of physics, chemistry and biology. Applicants can have a background in astrophysics, astrochemistry, planetary science, or related fields, with experience in astronomical data analysis, radiative transfer, or numerical modeling considered an advantage.

The position will be hosted in the Astrophysics and Planetary Science section at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The group conducts research on star and planet formation, protoplanetary disks, and astrochemistry, with a strong focus on the observational characterization of the physical and chemical conditions in planet-forming environments. Members of the group combine observations from major international facilities, including JWST and the ALMA, with theoretical and numerical modeling to understand the origins of planetary systems and the chemical composition of embedded planets. The research environment is highly collaborative and international, welcoming new ideas. By promoting active engagement and the exchange of diverse perspectives, the research group aims at fostering a dynamic setting where innovative approaches can develop. This inclusive culture will strengthen the quality of the research while empowering team members to pursue novel directions and contribute meaningfully to the project's goals.

Principal supervisor of PhD project 1 is Prof. Troels Haugbølle, Niels Bohr Institute, Astrophysics and Planetary Science, haugboel@nbi.ku.dk, +4535321141. Principal supervisor of Project 2 is Prof. Jes K. Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, Astrophysics and Planetary Science, jeskj@nbi.ku.dk, +4535324186.

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree.

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, chemistry, biology. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 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
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in astrophysics
• Good language skills

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

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application describing your interest in the PhD project and how your academic background and research interests relate to the project topic. (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master 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.
4. Publication list (if possible)

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 26 May 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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

After 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 and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 25.

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Dr. Giulia Perotti.

[General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ ].

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