PhD Fellowships in Mathematical Sciences
University of Copenhagen
Denmark

Overview

Within the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), the University of Copenhagen invites applications for two PhD fellowships (Doctoral Candidates) as part of the ENERPOL MSCA Doctoral Network.

• Start date: 1 September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

• Duration: 36 months

• Funding: ENERPOL MSCA Doctoral Network

About ENERPOL

ENERPOL is a European research and training network exploring the role of households in the green energy transition. The network addresses challenges such as volatile energy prices, inequality, and household risk exposure, while generating policy-relevant insights for fair and efficient energy systems.

The consortium comprises leading universities and non-academic partners, training 14 doctoral candidates in cutting-edge methods, theory, and transferable skills.
More information: CORDIS Project Page

Project Description

The successful applicants will join a multidisciplinary EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie International PhD training network based at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, UCPH.

Main Supervisor:
Professor Trine Krogh Boomsma
Email: trine@math.ku.dk

The research group specializes in Operations Research, with a focus on stochastic optimization and equilibrium modelling in energy systems and markets.

Available Positions

Position 1: PhD Project – “Optimisation of Household Demand Response”

Objectives:

• Develop a dynamic optimisation framework for household demand response (DR) and flexibility.

• Explore innovative contract designs and dynamic pricing strategies.

• Evaluate the impact of different tariff types (fixed-price, time-varying, stochastic).

• Assess policy interventions to reduce energy-related risk and inequality.

• Provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal tariff design.

Position 2: PhD Project – “Household Wealth Optimisation and the Impact of Energy Costs”

Objectives:

• Develop stochastic control problems for household wealth optimisation (consumption vs. savings).

• Analyse the effects of subsidies on household wealth and associated risks.

• Incorporate energy price exposure and risk aversion into the model.

• Estimate theoretical effects of government subsidies on household welfare.

• Deliver policy recommendations for optimal subsidy regimes.

About the Department

The Department of Mathematical Sciences conducts internationally competitive research in pure and applied mathematics and statistics.

• ~55 permanent academic staff

• ~60 PhD students and ~35 postdocs

• Located centrally in Copenhagen near Fælledparken

More information:

• Department website

• Research overview

Job Description

As a PhD fellow at the Faculty of Science, you will:

• Conduct independent research under supervision.

• Complete 30 ECTS of PhD courses or equivalent training.

• Participate in research stays and industry secondments within ENERPOL.

• Gain teaching or dissemination experience.

• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Optimization, Economics, or Energy Economics.

• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills.

MSCA Eligibility Criteria:

1. Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or worked in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months before employment start.

2. Doctoral Candidate Requirement: Applicants must not hold a PhD at the start of employment.

Preferred:

• Background in applied mathematics, operations research, and optimization.

Assessment Criteria

• Professional qualifications relevant to the project

• Analytical and critical research skills

• Academic record and GPA

• Relevant research experience or publications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Motivation and initiative

• Commitment to ENERPOL training and secondments

Employment Terms

• Duration: 3 years (full-time)

• Start Date: 1 September 2026 or later by agreement

• Location: Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

Employment is conditional upon enrolment in the PhD School at UCPH.

Salary and Benefits:

• Living allowance: €5,325/month (~DKK 39,600)

• Mobility allowance: €710/month (~DKK 5,280)

• Family allowance: €495/month (~DKK 4,900), if eligible

• Estimated gross salary: from DKK 30,800/month (~€4,100), plus pension

(All figures are approximate and subject to taxes and deductions in Denmark.)

Application Procedure

Deadline: 30 November 2025, 23:59 CET

Applications must be submitted in English via the “Apply Now” link and include:

1. Motivation letter / statement of intent (max. 1 page)

2. CV (education, experience, languages, and relevant skills)

3. Certified MSc diploma and transcript (with English translation if applicable)

4. Description of grading scale (for non-Danish degrees)

5. Publication list (if relevant)

6. Writing samples (e.g., master’s thesis)

7. References or recommendation letters (optional but encouraged)

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed by an unbiased assessor appointed by the hiring committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited for interviews expected in January 2026.

Applicants are evaluated according to Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on academic staff appointments.

Useful Links

• Recruitment process at UCPH

• Working and living in Denmark

• Work in Denmark

Contact:
Professor Trine Krogh Boomsma
Email: trine@math.ku.dk

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