The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a Postdoc position starting in September 2026 or soon thereafter. The positions are funded by the project Algebraic Hardness and Applications (AHA), which is supported by the Carlsberg Foundation and by the BARC Center for Basic Algorithms Research financed by the VILLUM foundation.
We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to theoretical advancements, innovative information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.
Qualification The applicant must hold or be close to completion of, a PhD-degree with demonstrated research experience in Computer Science or Mathematics and with a solid publication record, for example, publications in top conferences such as STOC, FOCS, CCC, or similar, or in journals of a comparable quality.
Job Description The postdoc position is a full-time research position for a duration of 24 months. This is a broad call for candidates whose research aligns with Algorithm Design or Complexity Theory. The hired candidate is expected to closely collaborate with the members of the project and present the work resulting from this project at workshops and conferences. Teaching of advanced courses is encouraged. Travel funding is included in the position.
The Scientific Environment The TCS section at ITU has a well-established 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 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 education is 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:
- Candidates are required to have academic qualifications at PhD level
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 and brief statements of research and teaching plans
- 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.)
- Relevant scientific publications or/and PhD thesis written by the applicant
Applications without the above-mentioned
required documents will not be assessed.
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 with 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,
nuli@itu.dk. Please add “AHA Postdoc application 2026” to your subject line when you send your inquires.
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 March 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 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.
