Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as PhD of experimental physics from September 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as PhD is limited to a period of three years. The PhD is a part of the project “Aging of Glasses: to be or not to be like a liquid” funded by the Carlsberg Foundation.
Description of the PhD project
The title of the PhD project is: Physical Aging
Physical aging is the gradual change of properties of non-crystalline solids, a process that usually can only be observed just below the glass-transition temperature because it is otherwise too slow. The last decade has established the Roskilde University research group Glass and Time as leading within experiment, theory, and computer simulations of physical aging. The project aims at identifying the limits of how far the half-century old Narayanaswamy concept of a material time describing physical aging applies. This will be done by studies of single-parameter aging for large temperature up jumps on different classes of glass-formers, including molecular liquids, polymers, metals and computer simulated liquids. The main experimental techniques will be Flash DSC and dielectric spectroscopy.
You will become part of Glass and Time, a Roskilde University research center, see https://glass.ruc.dk/ for info. In the group we do not compete internally, but care for and help each other and are committed to ensuring that everyone thrives. In the semester there are weekly 1-hour group meetings, each which alternate between progress reports of one group member and paper presentations.
The Doctoral School
You will be enrolled as a PhD student at The Doctoral School of Science and Environment.
The Doctoral School of Science and Environment is an international graduate school that covers a broad range of research topics within the areas of science and environment.
Read more here https://ruc.dk/doctoral-school-science-and-environment.
As a PhD student, you will be associated with the research area Mathematics and Physics.
About the department
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The department conducts basic and applied research within physics, mathematics, chemistry, medical biology, molecular biology, and environmental science. Roskilde University is located close to Copenhagen with good train connections (22 min. from the central station).
The position is anchored in IMFUFA (the section for Mathematics & Physics) consisting of 18 professors/associate professors/assistant professors, as well as a number of PhD students, postdocs, etc. The section hosts a workshop and highly skilled technical staff which will support the experimental work. IMFUFA offers a collaborative and strong internationally oriented research environment.
Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD position is an educational position, and the main tasks are in accordance with chapter 3, Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education/files/engelsk-ph-d-bekendtgorelse.pdf),
Qualifications
You must hold a master’s degree or equivalent within physics. Qualifications within the following areas are required
- experience with independent experimental work in master thesis or equivalent level
- general programming/high level data analysis in, e.g., Python, Matlab
We also emphasize the following qualifications:
- Strong mathematics skills
- A theoretical basis in the statistical mechanics of soft matter
An ideal candidate has good communication skills and is ready to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in collaboration across the department.
Assessment
In the assessment, regarding employment consideration will be given to:
- Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (according to Danish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/transparency-tools/qualifications-frameworks/other-qualifications-frameworks/danish-qf-for-higher-education?set_language=en&cl=en).
- Any additional academic requirements stated in the job advertisement.
In the assessment, regarding enrolment consideration will also be given to the following criteria:
- Educational skills and any further professional qualifications
- Grades at Master’s programme or equivalent
- Quality and relevance of the project description
- Your project description shall be no more than a single page
- Quality and relevance of the methodical and theoretical choices
- Consistency and coherence between the problem and the choice of method and theory
- Whether the PhD project seems realistic and feasible
- Ability to complete the PhD project
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Kristine Niss at kniss@ruc.dk
Terms of employment
The employment is on full time and in your daily work, you will refer to Kristine Niss. Your formal head of staff will be Head of Department, Susanne Sørensen. The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Head of Department will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.
Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.
The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/
Only applications in English are accepted.
Applications must include:
1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Documentation of education including grades from Master’s programme or equivalent
4. Your description of the PhD project (Max 1 page)
5. Your time schedule of the PhD project
6. If applicable: Documentation for any research experience, work experience or publications.
Please submit your application no later than May 29, 2026.
Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
The hiring process at Roskilde University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Roskilde Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Roskilde Universitet, Universitetsvej, 4000 Roskilde
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 29-05-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/64e6581e-ce6c-4983-a3ec-30ed5cbc24ac
