211-0750/26-2E Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics

EURAXESS Czech Republic; København; On-site; DKK 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Copenhagen invites applications for an Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute. The role encompasses establishing an independent research program, teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentoring junior staff and students.

Candidates should demonstrate an international impact and a track record in external funding. Open to all areas of theoretical physics, with emphasis on paradigm-shifting science; two-step application process and a

Qualifications

• PhD in physics with an independent research track record.
• Experience leading/mentoring research groups.
• Proven ability to secure external funding through competitive processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an innovative, internationally funded research program of leading international quality.
• Teach and examine students at all levels, including lectures, supervision and curriculum development.
• Act as a mentor and role model for junior colleagues through excellent supervision and training.
• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusivity in Physics and participate in departmental service.
• Undertake administrative tasks to support the Department’s activities.

Skills

Independent research leadership

Teaching and supervision

Grant acquisition

Curriculum development

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Copenhagen Department Faculty of Science Research Field Physics Astronomy Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Other Positions Application Deadline 1 Oct 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Copenhagen) Country Denmark Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics
Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Niels Bohr Institute announces the availability of a faculty position in any area of theoretical physics with an emphasis on paradigm-shifting science. The search is open to all areas of theoretical physics. The application process is a two-step procedure: applicants are invited to initially submit a short application consisting of CV and publication list only. The Niels Bohr Institute will then screen these and subsequently invite a subset of applicants to submit a full application.

Current faculty at The Niels Bohr Institute is active in broad areas of theoretical physics, including physics-based modelling: Astrophysics (including Cosmology, Planetary Sciences, Galactic, and Extragalactic Astrophysics); Biophysics and Biocomplexity; Geophysics (including Physics of Ice, Climate, and Earth); High Energy, Astro-particle and Gravitational Physics; Quantum Physics (including Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics) and Condensed Matter Physics.

We seek to appoint an outstanding researcher based on scientific excellence and demonstrated track record. We are looking for a candidate whose expertise will strengthen our mission to deliver excellent research and education.The position will be filled at the level of tenured associate professor.

The successful candidate must be an outstanding scientist who has already had significant international impact on research and who has demonstrated: (1) the talent and vision to define an independent research program, (2) the scientific maturity to establish an independent research group, and (3) the ability to attract significant external funding in open competition at national and international levels. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate both internationally and within University of Copenhagen on research questions of broad-scale relevance.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and lead an innovative research program of leading international quality
• Teach and examine students at all levels including lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervisingstudents,and contributing to curriculum development work.
• Act as a coach and role model through excellent practice and mentoring of junior colleagues
• Contribute to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity in Physics
• Undertake appropriate administrative tasks in support of the Department’s activities

In the evaluation of candidates emphasis will be put on the following criteria:

• A strong established international reputation and expertisein a forefront research area
• Ability to develop and expand the research portfolio of the institute into new areas
• A track record of securing external research funding in open competition as well as postdoc and/or PhD supervision
• Substantialand successfulexperience in undergraduate teaching and in graduate training

The associate professor’s duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfil other tasks as requested by the Department. Applicants are required to havesuccessfuluniversity level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon their own teachingdevelopment, practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required. Ideally the candidate has been responsible for lectures and course development as well as supervision at both bachelor and master's levels.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at a leading international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

University of Copenhagen’s criteria for recognising merit
General criteria apply to the appointment of associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

The position is open from 1 June 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Universitywishesour staff toreflect the diversity ofsociety and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Filing of application

The application process is a two-step procedure.

First step: For all applicants interested in the position.

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding (max 5,000 characters incl spaces)

These two documents will be the basis for our selection of applicants who are invited to submit a full application and thus be a part of the recruitment process.

It will be appropriate if the six overall criteria for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen are reflected in the CV.

Please also highlight in the CV, if special conditions in your career/life affects your CV and number of publications.

The deadline for submissionis 1 October 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

Second step: Only for applicants who are invited to submit a full application.

In the second step invited applicants must submit a full application. Invited applicants will have around five to six weeks to send a full application and we expect it will be between week 41-45. Invited applicants will receive further instructions.

Contact

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case:

211-0750/26-2E Associate Professorship of Theoretical Physics.

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