About the opportunity
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for PhD stipends in Statistics and the mathematics of Insurance and Economics. The department provides a dynamic international research environment with roughly 50 permanent staff, 60 PhD students, and 35 postdocs, located centrally in Copenhagen. Candidates can apply through either the 3-year regular PhD programme (Option A) for those holding a relevant master’s degree, or the up to 5-year integrated MSc and PhD programme (Option B) for those holding a relevant bachelor’s degree. Research areas include optimal transport, adapted Wasserstein metrics, causality and reliable machine learning, actuarial science, and mathematical economics.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time employment and salary as a PhD fellow for a maximum of 3 years under the regular programme.
- For the integrated programme, funding is paid partly via state education grant portions plus salary for 150 hours of work per year until the MSc is obtained, followed by 2 full years of salary-earning PhD employment.
- Creative and stimulating working conditions in an active international research environment.
- Opportunities to participate in active research, complete PhD coursework, engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination, and undertake a research stay abroad.
Who can apply?
- For Option A (regular programme): Must have completed a degree equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) related to the project subject area.
- For Option B (integrated programme): Must have completed a degree equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor's degree and be eligible for enrollment in one of the faculty's master's programmes.
- Candidates must possess a strong educational background in Statistics, Insurance, Economics, or nearby fields with strong mathematical qualifications.
- Must have good English language skills and a curious mindset with a strong interest in mathematics and its applications.
Required documents
- Motivated letter of application (maximum one page).
- Curriculum vitae including education, experience, publications (if any), language skills, and other relevant skills.
- Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcripts of records in the original language, along with an authorized English or Danish translation if applicable (or a certified recent transcript/written statement if not yet completed).
- Reference letters (if available).
When to apply
- Application deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1.
- Normal start date is 1 September 2027, subject to negotiation.
How to apply
- Review project descriptions and contact prospective supervisors or coordinators if desired.
- Prepare all required application documents in English.
- Submit the application and attachments electronically via the official online application portal using the 'Apply Now' link.
Additional information
- Applicants may be required to undergo a background screening to protect the security and research integrity of the university.
- The position is covered by the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong mathematical background with formal training in statistics, economics, or actuarial science looking to pursue rigorous doctoral research.
- Interest in working within a collaborative European research environment with opportunities for international mobility and networking.
- Aspirations to engage in cutting-edge quantitative areas such as reliable machine learning, causality, or optimal transport.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Copenhagen is required, which involves managing local living costs and housing in Denmark.
- Applicants must commit to a multi-year structured doctoral programme involving coursework, independent research, teaching duties, and a thesis defense.
- The integrated track requires simultaneous completion of master's coursework and early doctoral integration over up to five years.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity directly supports goals centered on academic career progression, earning a funded PhD or integrated MSc/PhD degree at a top-ranking European university, and establishing an international research profile in mathematical sciences.
Our take
Master's or bachelor's graduates in quantitative fields with a strong interest in statistics, insurance, or mathematical economics should seriously consider applying, provided they are prepared for a rigorous full-time doctoral research track in Denmark.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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