The IT University of Copenhagen invites you to apply for a PhD position in the theory of algorithm design and analysis 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
You will engage in the pursuit of new, efficient discrete algorithms for computational problems involving interesting topics such as graphs, data structures, dynamic updates, distributed computation, and more. You will work in collaboration with your colleagues, including your PhD adviser, Professor Eva Rotenberg, who has a background in the design and analysis of discrete algorithms. Together, we will study and discuss different hypotheses, problems, and ideas concerning important open problems in algorithms and data structures and collaborate on disseminating our findings to our scientific community, and beyond.
As a PhD student at the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), you will also have a light teaching load and have opportunity to attend courses in seasonal PhD schools that are on topic for your scientific questions. Participation in relevant workshops and conferences is encouraged and fully-funded.

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 assessed 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 Professor, Eva Rotenberg, IT University of Copenhagen, erot@itu.dk.Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged.
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.

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: 15 May 2026, at 23:59 CEST.

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.