The Condensed Matter Physics department at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in theoretical studies of unconventional superconductivity. The project is part of the research project “Effects of Spin-Orbit Coupling on Superconducting Pairing Interactions”, which is financed by the European Research Council.
Start date is (expected to be) February 1st, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project This project studies how anisotropic electronic interactions influence the preferred superconducting ground state. It will combine group theoretical methods with analytical and numerical renormalization group approaches and quantum Monte Carlo simulations to understand the role played by electronic anisotropy in shaping the types of superconducting phases possible.
Who are we looking for? We are looking for candidates within the field of condensed matter physics, with a strong background in condensed matter theory. Knowledge of many-body techniques – including Feynman diagrams, second quantization, and renormalization group methods – and experience with numerical methods are highly desirable.
Our group and research- and what do we offer? The successful candidate will be part of a newly started group working with strongly correlated systems and unconventional superconductors. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. The group is a part of the Condensed Matter Physics department at the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
Principal supervisor is Morten Holm Christensen, Condensed Matter Physics, Niels Bohr Institute, Email:
mchriste@nbi.ku.dk, Phone: +45 5069 2448
The PhD programme Qualifications needed for the regular programme 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, applied mathematics, or similar. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see
General assessments for specific countries and
Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme 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.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes - 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 (if any)
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in strongly correlated systems and superconductivity
- Fluency in spoken and written English
*************************************************************************** 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.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 30/10/2025, 23:59 GMT +1
. 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.
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 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
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in the week 49-50.
Questions For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
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.