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

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; Institute (NC); On-site; USD 139,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Copenhagen’s Niels Bohr Institute invites applications for an Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics. The role emphasizes paradigm-shifting science and building an independent research program with international visibility.

The successful candidate will teach at all levels, supervise students, and contribute to curriculum development while engaging in active research collaboration across institutions and the department.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an innovative research program of leading international quality
• Teach and examine students at all levels including lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate courses
• Supervise and mentor junior colleagues and contribute to curriculum development
• Attract external funding and collaborate internationally and within the University of Copenhagen

Job 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, supervising students, 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 expertise in 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
• Substantial and successful experience 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 have successful university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon their own teaching development, 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.

For associate professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf .

Further information on the Department is linked at https://science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/departments/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Troels Haugbølle, Deputy Head of Research, [e-mail].

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

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society 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

First step: For all applicants interested in the position.

Submit In English

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

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 submission is 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.

Please reserve 2 February 2027 in case you are invited to an interview.

Contact

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

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

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.

Info

Application deadline: 01-10-2026

Employment start: 01-06-2027

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Niels Bohr Institute

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