211-2560/26-2I Three Postdoctoral Positions in Theoretical Astrophysics

Three Postdoctoral Positions in Theoretical Astrophysics
Niels Bohr Institute
SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen

The Niels Bohr International Academy invites applications to fill three positions at the postdoctoral researcher level as described below. Candidates are requested to indicate in their cover letter whether they are applying for Postdoctoral Position 1, 2, or 3.

Postdoctoral Position 1 – Black Hole Imaging and Near Horizon Physics
We seek an exceptional researcher at the forefront of black hole astrophysics, high-resolution imaging, and data-driven inference. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in fitting physical models of black hole magnetospheres to sparse interferometric observations at sub-millimeter wavelengths, along with a proven record of extracting physical insight from Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. They will develop and deploy state-of-the-art computational approaches—including statistical inference, machine learning, and numerical simulations—to rigorously test theories of black hole accretion by linking first-principles modeling to horizon-scale observations. Candidates must have a strong track record in EHT data analysis and in bridging theory, simulation, and observation at the highest angular resolutions. The duration of employment for postdoctoral position 1 is initially for two years, with potential for renewal for one additional year.

Postdoctoral Position 2 – Computational Astrophysics with GPU-accelerated GRMHD
We seek an exceptional researcher at the forefront of relativistic astrophysics, computational plasma physics, and multimessenger astronomy. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in GPU-accelerated GRMHD simulations in dynamical spacetimes, including accretion onto single and supermassive binary black holes, and will develop state-of-the-art numerical frameworks—incorporating radiative GRMHD in full general relativity—to connect turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability and angular-momentum transport to predictive electromagnetic and gravitational-wave signatures of gas-rich binary inspirals in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and pulsar timing array era. A strong track record in high-performance computing, code development, and linking plasma microphysics to observables is essential, with experience in radiation transport and strongly magnetized accretion flows highly desirable. The duration of employment for postdoctoral position 2 is initially for two years, with potential for renewal for one additional year.

Postdoctoral Position 3 – Accretion Disks and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
We seek an outstanding researcher at the forefront of astrophysical fluid dynamics, with demonstrated expertise in the analytical and numerical modelling of waves, warps, and nonlinear distortions in gaseous disks. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in combining semi-analytical theory with high-resolution simulations to understand disk–perturber interactions, spiral wave excitation, and the evolution of warped and eccentric disks across linear, nonlinear, and turbulent regimes. Experience bridging local instabilities with global disk evolution, and applying these methods to accretion disks and high mass-ratio astrophysical systems, is highly desirable. Strong skills in computational and theoretical fluid dynamics are essential. The duration of employment for postdoctoral position 3 is three years.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Martin Pessah – mpessah@nbi.ku.dk

The three positions are open from September 1st, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The exact starting date can be agreed upon and should be in principle no later than November 1st, 2026.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Brief cover letter indicating which position/s (1,2, 3) the candidate is applying for.
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans, no more than 4 pages.
• Complete list of publications

The deadline for applications is May 10th, 2026.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in during June 10 to 12, 2026.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.