The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) invites highly motivated candidates to apply for a PhD position starting September 2026 or soon after. There will be a total of 3 positions.

ITU’s vision is to create and share knowledge that is profound and leads to groundbreaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity. We invite applicants who want to contribute to this vision.

Job description
ITU offers a multidisciplinary research environment focused on information technology and its societal impact. Research spans across nine research sections, covering diverse areas within IT. Applicants must prepare a research proposal for a PhD project defined by the applicant and aligned with research conducted in at least one ITU research section. Applicants must identify and contact a prospective supervisor who will support the candidate in writing. The prospective supervisor must be employed as associate professor or above at ITU.

The motivated candidate will work full-time, engage in research, dissemination, and teaching activities, complete PhD courses, and participate in a research stay at another institution.

Learn more about ITU’s research sections and faculty on ITU’s website.

Candidate profile
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled MSc graduate (or soon-to-be graduate) with a thesis that demonstrates advanced analytical and research skills ensuring a solid foundation for advanced research. A match between the master’s thesis topic or methods and the PhD research is expected as well as a research interest that is aligned with the research field of the potential supervisor.

The candidate must demonstrate a clear motivation to join ITU, valuing its research environment and collaborative culture. The candidate is committed to being predominately physically present at ITU to be part of and contribute to the research environment at the university.

The commitment to pursue a PhD is driven by a genuine interest in advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the field.

General information
ITU is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. ITU has more than 160 full-time faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.

Research at the IT University of Copenhagen
Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions. At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.

Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen
ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master’s degree, spanning across disciplines. ITU's study programmes are extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.

Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.

Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.

Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.

Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:

• An MSc/MA degree (or equivalent)
• English language proficiency equivalent to English at Danish level B (gymnasium level)

The candidates will be employed and enrolled at the IT University for a period of 3 years.

It is possible to apply before having obtained a master’s degree, in which case the applicant must be in the final semester of the master’s programme.

Application
The application must reflect the applicant’s motivation for applying for the position as well as the ability to position the project within the relevant research field. The application and all other documents must be in English and must include:

• A motivated application (cover letter) including a detailed description of qualifications, and the name of a suggested supervisor at ITU who is linked to the applicant's field of research
• A project proposal (statement of purpose) which provides evidence of independent thinking, novelty, and originality of the targeted research field (max. 5 pages, ex. references)
• Documentation of academic degrees: diplomas and transcripts
• A full CV including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment, and academic background
• Supervisor support letter from an ITU faculty member. The suggested supervisor must be employed at ITU at the level of at least Associate Professor
• List of scientific publications, if any, and/or master thesis written by the applicant
• If master’s degree is not yet obtained: a statement from the master’s thesis supervisor and other scientific material to demonstrate academic work, if any
• Co-author statements if the applicant has any publications with more than one author. This can be in the form of a traditional co-author statement or as part of a recommendation letter
• Letters of recommendation, if any. Letters of recommendation should be relevant for the assessment of the applicant’s potential as a researcher. Letters of recommendation must be uploaded as part of the application and cannot be sent to ITU directly
• Documentation of English language proficiency

Please read the Admission Requirements for detailed information of the required documentation.

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University uses shortlisting in connection with the recruitment process. The hiring committee selects applicants for assessment after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.

Further information
Questions about the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected]. Questions about the PhD programme and PhD requirements can be directed to PhD Support, [email protected].

Find more information about the PhD programme at ITU.

Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website

The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.

Application deadline: 23 February 2026 at 23:59 CET
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for the upload of publications and other documents.

At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.

Application deadline: Apply no later than 23. February 2026

Department: Rued Langgaards Vej 7 2300 København S