PhD Fellowship in Physics

Department: Condensed Matter Physics, Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty: SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen

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”, financed by the European Research Council.

Start date: Expected 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?

Candidates should have 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 What We Offer

The successful candidate will be part of a newly started group working with strongly correlated systems and unconventional superconductors. The group offers creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. The group is part of the Condensed Matter Physics department at the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen, located in Copenhagen.

Principal Supervisor: Morten Holm Christensen
Email: mchriste@nbi.ku.dk
Phone: +45 5069 2448

The PhD Programme

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 BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) in physics, applied mathematics, or a similar subject area.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-time PhD fellowship for a maximum of 3 years.

• Employment conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen.

• Terms of employment and salary follow 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

• Conduct an independent research project under supervision.

• Complete PhD courses (~30 ECTS).

• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad.

• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.

• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals.

• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on the project.

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.

• Relevant publications (if any).

• Relevant work experience.

• Other relevant professional activities.

• Curious mindset with a strong interest in strongly correlated systems and superconductivity.

• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Application and Assessment Procedure

Applications must be in English and submitted electronically.

Required Documents:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page) describing your motivation for applying to the specific PhD project.

• Curriculum vitae including education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills.

• Original diplomas for BSc or MSc and transcript of records (with authorized English translation if necessary). If not completed, a certified copy of a recent transcript or written statement from the institution/supervisor is accepted.

• Publication list (if available).

• Reference letters (if available).

Application Deadline: 30 October 2025, 23:59 GMT +1

Applications received after the deadline or not fulfilling requirements will not be considered.

Further Process

After the deadline, selected applicants will undergo academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. Applicants are notified whether they are passed for assessment. Shortlisted applicants may comment on the assessment.

Interviews are expected in weeks 49–50.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor:

Morten Holm Christensen
Email: mchriste@nbi.ku.dk

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all applicants regardless of personal background to apply.

Application Start Date: 1 February 2026
Working Hours: Full-time
Department/Location: Niels Bohr Institute

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com