PhD fellowship in gravitational physics

PhD fellowship in gravitational physics

The Center of Gravity at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for 6 PhD fellowships in gravitational physics. The project is part of the Center of Excellence “Center of Gravity”, which is financed by the Danish Research Foundation. Start date is (expected to be) fall 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

We are looking to solve some of the most pressing questions in black holes physics, on the problem of motion in Gravitation and on the search for the ultimate description of Nature.

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of gravitational physics and high energy physics. Applicants can have a background from partial differential equations to astrophysics or high energy physics. We welcome all talented, highly motivated candidates.

In the Center of Gravity (CoG), we strive to understand the gravitational interaction and the cosmos. The CoG is a center for new ideas about the foundations of physics. We bring together cutting edge research in observations of black holes and in the formal theory of relativistic and quantum aspects of gravity, completing the visions of Bohr and Einstein for the gravitational interaction.

Our research endeavour spans from data analysis to theoretical disciplines within astrophysics and high‑energy physics, and we aim to drive gravitational‑wave physics to an exciting future. The Center takes advantage of the remarkable talent at the Niels Bohr Institute, to promote synergies linking fundamental physics with observations.

We have our physical home in the beautiful and legendary building at Blegdamsvej 17, established by Niels Bohr. This is the place where quantum theory was born and where many new exciting developments in gravity are now taking place. Today, the Niels Bohr Institute carries an important legacy in physics and is one of the leading institutes in theoretical and experimental physics.

Located in Copenhagen, a vibrant and lovely city, the Institute is very easy to reach. The Niels Bohr Institute is renowned in Denmark and is a beloved institution in the community at large (it's not uncommon to see families stopping outside the institute to take pictures). The Institute is famous for the many scientific breakthroughs that took place within its premises.

The theoretical advances regarding the structure of the atom and the explanation of the periodic table, together with breakthroughs in nuclear physics and pioneering work in string theory and quantum gravity, all took place here. The famous Copenhagen interpretation of Quantum Mechanics was developed at NBI by Bohr and many other collaborators. Fermi's golden rule was actually developed by Paul Dirac while at NBI.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Professors Emil Bjerrum‑Bohr, Vitor Cardoso, Troels Harmark, Niels Obers, Maarten van de Meent, Ziqi Yan, all from the Niels Bohr Institute.

vitor.cardoso.dk

Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

• Option A: 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.
• Option B: an up to five year full‑time study programme within the framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelors´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.

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 Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and…