University of Copenhagen 
Copenhagen, Denmark Project Description
PhD Project in Spectral Modelling of UV-optical AGN Emission
Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen
The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in spectral modelling of nuclear restframe UV-optical emission from Active Galactic Nuclei.
Start date is expected to be February 1, 2027 or as soon as possible hereafter.
The project
The project involves developing software algorithms and pipelines for robust, reproducible, and efficient spectral modelling and analysis of observations from large spectral surveys.
The PhD project includes (a) developing modern and efficient software code to perform analysis of AGN spectral data with the aim to robustly perform reliable spectral decomposition of the AGN emission at restframe UV, optical and infrared wavelengths; (b) applying said spectral decomposition algorithm to large databases of AGN Sky Surveys for subsequent analysis; (c) development of algorithms that utilizes Neural Networks to assist in analysis of the large spectral databases of existing and new large sky surveys.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field of active galactic nuclei with significant expertise in developing modern software code for spectral modelling of observations of the nuclear UV-optical emission.
Candidates with a background in AGN physics, AGN spectral analysis and spectral decomposition are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in handling large datasets from large Astronomical Sky Surveys, such as Sloan Digital Sky Survey, is a strong asset (i.e., advantage). A background in or experience (whole or in part) with Deep Learning, various neural network architectures and auto-encoders are strong assets. Specific experience with use of high-performance computing, advanced statistics, optimization and performance testing of software algorithms and with scientific software development in Python are all favorable assets.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
Vestergaard’s group is part of DARK, Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. DARK’s areas of research include, but are not limited to, observations, simulations and theory of astrophysical transients and cosmic explosions (including gravitational waves, tidal disruption events and supernovae), neutrino astrophysics, high-redshift galaxies, fundamental cosmology, dark matter, black holes and AGN, and cosmic dust. DARK scientists reside in the new Niels Bohr Building at the North Campus in Copenhagen, sharing space with the other astrophysics sections (Stars & Planetary Sciences, Cosmic DAWN center) and the rest of the Niels Bohr Institute.
DARK is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a working climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to background, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age. DARK strives to facilitate the progress of underrepresented groups in higher education careers and encourages these candidates to apply.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.
Included Benefits:
6 weeks of vacation
Full social and health benefits (also for partners & family)
Generous parental leave
For more conditions of employment
Principal supervisor is Professor M. Vestergaard, DARK, NBI, trn753@ku.dk.
The PhD programme
We offer the PhD programme as a three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). This requires an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Qualifications needed for the three-year PhD 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 astronomy. 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 a maximum of 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon the candidate’s successful enrolment 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.
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. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
You can read more about salary levels in the state sector (in Danish).
The terms of employment and payment will be according 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 3-year PhD programme
- Carry out an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in Active Galactic Nuclei nuclear emission
- Good English language skills
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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. two pages)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master 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.
- Publication list (if available)
Note: Please do not arrange for letters of reference to be uploaded or sent by the deadline
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is Thursday, November 5, 2026, 23:59 GMT +1
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 subset of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You will be 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 and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at Recruitment process.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held during the weeks 48-49, 2026.
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: science.ku.dk].
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.