The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a PhD position starting 1 September 2026 or soon thereafter.

We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to ground-breaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.

Job description
The positions are funded by the project Algebraic Hardness and Applications (AHA), which is supported by the Carlsberg Foundation.
Who can apply? To be eligible to apply for these positions, applicants need to have or be about to obtain either a BSc or an MSc degree (or their equivalent qualifications) in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. The qualified candidates are expected to have a good background and passionate interest in mathematics and computer science, demonstrated by having credited relevant courses such as Complexity Theory, Advanced Algorithms, Probability Theory, Real and Complex Analysis, Calculus, and Combinatorics. Or they may be demonstrated by results at the Olympiads of Mathematics or Informatics, or by publication in relevant internationally recognized conferences or journals.

Applicants need to be motivated for doctoral studies; should possess the ability to self-organize tasks and perform critical analysis; and also have good levels of communicative abilities and English language skills. The working language of the group is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate every-day life in Scandinavia in general.

These positions are available for period of 3-4 years, depending on the current education level of the applicant. The starting date is negotiable, but the default would be in August-September 2026. All PhD positions in the research group are fully funded, employed positions (including travel money) that come with an internationally competitive salary.

The Scientific Environment
The TCS section at ITU has a highly reputable research environment, with a strong presence at top-tier conferences like STOC, FOCS, and SODA. This project will additionally benefit from our close ties with the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre (barc.ku.dk) set up at Copenhagen University. We are also well-connected with researchers at the University of Southern Denmark, Aarhus University, and Lund University. Between the Copenhagen University and IT University of Copenhagen, we host many visitors every month, run a lot of seminars and talks. As a common goal, we aim to create fundamental breakthroughs in algorithms and complexity theory, using the power of mathematics.

General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University 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 these disciplines. ITU's educations 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:

• 3-year programme: candidates should have an MSc (or equivalent)
• 4-year programme: candidates should have a BSc and one year of university studies on Master level

The applicants will be employed and enrolled at the ITU University for a period of 3 or 4 years depending on the university degree level of the applicant.
Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:

• A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications
• A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
• Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
• A statement of purpose, which provides evidence of independent thinking, novelty and originality, of the targeted research field matching the project description
• Documentation of English proficiency (see link below to the PhD Admission Requirements)
• Relevant scientific publications or/and master thesis written by the applicant (Not required but optional)

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

Please read the guidelines for applicants carefully before filling in the application form. You can see the guidelines through this link.

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

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee 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 positions can be directed to Full Professor, Nutan Limaye, IT University of Copenhagen, [email protected]. Please add “ AHA PhD Application 2026” to your subject line when you send your inquires. Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged.

Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected].

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: 1 March 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.

As ITU 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

Application deadline: Apply no later than 1. March 2026

Department: Rued Langgaards Vej 7 2300 København S

Lokation: Theoretical Computer Science