Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen
Department of Mathematical Sciences (MATH) invites applicants for PhD stipends in mathematics.
The start date is ordinarily September 1, 2027, but can be subject to negotiation.
There will be PhD stipends available in:
- Algebraic and Arithmetic Geometry, Applied algebra, Combinatorics, Geometric group theory, Geometry and Geometric Analysis, Number Theory, Representation Theory, and Topology as covered by the section Algebra & Geometry and Copenhagen Center for Geometry & Topology (GeoTop).
- Classical Analysis, Descriptive Set Theory, Functional Analysis, Geometric group theory, Harmonic Analysis, History of Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Operator Algebras, Partial Differential Equations, Quantum Information, Quantum Computation and Quantum Simulation as covered by the section Analysis and Quantum, the Centre for the Mathematics of Quantum Theory and the Quantum for Life Center.
You are welcome to contact any member of the department to discuss research projects.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field of Mathematics or nearby fields, whose background and research interests are a strong fit with the areas of mathematics above.
About the department
The department has about 50 permanent scientific staff members; around 60 PhD students and 35 postdocs. It has strong research groups in many areas of mathematics, and active PhD, postdoc, and visitors’ programs. Our buildings are located in central Copenhagen next to the central park Fælledparken. Our website https://www.math.ku.dk/english provides more information about the department and the research conducted at the department https://www.math.ku.dk/english/research/. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.
You can find more information about the PhD program on the homepage https://www.math.ku.dk/english/programmes/ph.d/.
The PhD programme
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 bachelor’s degree.
Option A: Getting into a position on the regular 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. mathematics or closely related. 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.
Terms of appointment and payment according 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.
Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme
If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor’s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled in one of the faculty’s master’s programmes in Mathematics or Quantum Information Science.
Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.
The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”.
Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of up to 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year. A PhD grant portion is currently (2026) DKK 7.426 before tax.
When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according 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
- Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)
- 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 and experience:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional experience, including publications (if any)
- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in Mathematics
- Good English skills
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)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, publications (if any), language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.
- Reference letters (if available; letters can be uploaded as part of the application or sent to hr-math@adm.ku.dk by the reference person).
When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 1 November 2026, 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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment (shortlisted) by a committee of unbiased experts. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment.
An assessment committee will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the research area, skills and other requirements. The assessors will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. 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/.
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.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
Contact
Nina Weisse
E-mail: nbl341@ku.dk
Info
Application deadline: 01-11-2026
Employment start: 01-09-2027
Working hours: Full time
Department/Location: Department of Mathematical Sciences