PhD scholarship in Astrophysics - DTU Space

We are seeking applications for a 3-year PhD position at DTU-Space, focusing on stellar astrophysics. You will join the ERC-funded MAGNIFY group under the leadership of Dr. Victoria Antoci. This project aims to explore the effects of magnetic fields on stellar structure and mixing processes. The research will delve into magnetic field generation, their influence on stellar pulsations, and their broader implications for stellar evolution. MAGNIFY investigates variability caused by stellar spots and examines the origins of magnetic fields in A and F stars. By utilizing asteroseismology, the project aims to detect and analyze near-core and surface magnetic fields, comparing theoretical models with photometric observations from the Kepler and TESS satellites, as well as data from Gaia and ground-based spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric observations. 

See more information about MAGNIFY here: https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/research-divisions/astrophysics-and-atmospheric-physics/projects/stellar-astrophysics-group  

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your task will be to investigate the effects of magnetic fields on pulsations through modeling and comparison with observations.

The ideal candidate brings following experience and qualifications to the role:

• A strong background in astrophysics, physics, computer science, or related fields
• Experience in stellar astrophysics or asteroseismology is advantageous but not mandatory
• An interest in modeling stellar oscillations
• An interest in analyzing time series observations from the TESS and/or Kepler satellites
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment will be based on the grades (translated into the Danish grading system), the CV, cover letter and the references.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Victoria Antoci ([email protected] ; https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/research-divisions/astrophysics-and-atmospheric-physics/projects/stellar-astrophysics-group )

You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.dtu.dk 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter; max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Description of Master Thesis Topic (max. 1-page)
• Applicants should provide the names and contact details of two relevant referees who can submit letters of recommendation.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU 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.

The DTU Space Institute has more than 200 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. We link natural science closely with the development of new technology. DTU Space is involved in the full life cycle of space activities, including concept and design, construction and proto-typing, calibration and validation, implementation and operations, data analysis, processing, dissemination, and applications, leading to new instruments and applications. With the specialized and refined technology available, we are getting more and more answers and further insight about the Earth and the universe surrounding us. We contribute to about 200 scientific publications a year. 

In the Astrophysics & Atmospheric Physics Division of the Department of Space Research and Space Technology (DTU Space), current focus areas cover large-scale structure of the universe, physics of compact objects, exoplanets, upper atmosphere physics and cosmo-climatology as well as development of instrumentation, in particular high-energy instrumentation, i.e. X- and gamma ray detectors and -optics. The division is currently active in the operation of instruments and data analysis from three satellites. The division also runs four instrumentation laboratories and hosts a center for space weather research and forecasts. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.