PhD Scholarship in Astronomical Instrumentation - DTU Space

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Space in Denmark seeks an ambitious early-career scientist for a PhD focusing on X-ray optics and instrumentation, working on next-generation space telescope technology, and collaborating internationally. The position includes experimental research, course work, data analysis, and research abroad.

You will design high-energy focusing optics, analyze X-ray optics for astronomical use, and contribute to scientific articles and technical reporting, with a three-year contract and a starting date

Qualifications

• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or an equivalent.
• Strong English writing and speaking skills.
• Background in physics, astronomy, engineering or related field with hands-on experimental experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct X-ray optics and instrumentation research for space telescopes.
• Attend PhD courses and collaborate with international partners.
• Design novel high-energy focusing optics and characterize X-ray optics.
• Analyze data and publish results.
• Conduct research abroad for 3–6 months.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree (2-year) or equivalent

Job description

PhD opportunity at DTU Space for early-career scientists interested in X-ray optics and instrumentation. Work on advanced space telescope technology, conduct experimental research, collaborate internationally, and complete courses, data analysis, and research abroad.

Your role and qualifications

If you are an ambitious early-career scientist with a strong interest in X-ray optics, astronomical instrumentation, and experimental research, this PhD position offers an exceptional opportunity to build a strong foundation for an international research career. At DTU Space, you will work at the forefront of next-generation X-ray telescope development, gain hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, and collaborate with leading international partners in space science.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Scientific research within X-ray optics for space telescopes
• Attend PhD courses
• Design and development of novel high-energy focusing optics
• Characterization of X-ray optics for astronomical use
• Analysis of scientific data
• Write scientific articles and technical reporting
• Perform scientific research abroad (3–6 months) as part of the PhD program

We are looking for a candidate with a strong academic background in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related field. You must have hands-on experience with experimental work, instrumentation, or data analysis relevant to the project. You should also have strong written and spoken English skills and be able to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Desiree Della Monica Ferreira and Sonny Massahi.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Head of Division Desiree Della Monica Ferreira, [e-mail]

You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup 'Zoom' seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark