The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Particle Astrophysics. The project is part of the ERC research project “ANET,” which is financed by the European Research Council.

Start date is 1 October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

This project aims at solving one of the most urgent riddles in particle astrophysics: how neutrinos affect the physics of the death of massive stars as core-collapse supernova explosions and the merger of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole. Neutrinos are feebly interacting particles copiously produced in these dense sources. Neutrinos exist in three different kinds, or flavors, and have the fascinating property of changing their flavor while propagating (flavor conversion). Because of the high density of neutrinos in the core of supernovae or compact binary mergers, flavor conversion becomes a non-linear phenomenon, whose understanding is quite preliminary. Numerical simulations buttressed by analytic diagnostic methods will be employed to radically advance our understanding within a multi-messenger framework. This project will have implications on fundamental physics, the origin of the heavy elements, as well as our comprehension of  the behavior of matter at extreme densities and the physics of  neutrino-dense sources.

Who are we looking for?

Highly motivated, outstanding candidates interested in research in theoretical particle astrophysics and multi-messenger astrophysics are encouraged to apply.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The AstroNu group is a part of the  Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The AstroNu group is based at the Niels Bohr International Academy and DARK, Niels Bohr Institute. The Niels Bohr International Academy is a young initiative committed to fostering the traditions of internationalism, interdisciplinarity and excellence in physics, which characterize the Niels Bohr Institute. It functions as a primary center for fundamental research including gravitational astrophysics, high energy particle physics, particle astrophysics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, and biophysics. Areas of research of DARK include, but are not limited to: astrophysical transients, particle astrophysics, high-redshift galaxies, dark matter and dark energy, black holes, and cosmic dust. 

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. The AstroNu group is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to facilitate progress of underrepresented groups in higher education careers. Our group has exclusive access to some of the largest dedicated astrophysics computing resources in Scandinavia, including a general-purpose high-performance computing cluster.

Principal supervisor is Professor Irene Tamborra, Niels Bohr International Academy and DARK, Niels Bohr Institute, tamborra@nbi.ku.dk, Direct Phone: + 4535333227.

The PhD programme

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.

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. Physics or Astrophysics. 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 enrollment 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.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance 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 the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• 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:

• Relevant publications (if any)
• Relevant research experience (if any)
• MSc degree in Physics or Astrophysics with outstanding results
• Curious and creative mind-set with a strong interest in Theoretical Particle Astrophysics, Astrophysics, Multi-Messenger Astronomy
• Excellent 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: 

1. Cover Letter, stating research interests, your motivation and background for applying for this PhD project, and (non-binding) plans for possible research projects within your PhD (max 3 pages PDF).
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science 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.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is Sunday 16 April 2023 23:59 GMT +2

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 by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor 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/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 21 and week 22.

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.