Position Description

Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position with a PhD thesis in mathematics. Targeted starting date for the position is 1 September 2026.

The application requirements are detailed at the end of this advertisement.  

The project
Potential thesis topics are part of a larger project on derived and higher categories, stability conditions, homological mirror symmetry, Donaldson-Thomas invariants, 3-fold singularities, wall-crossing structures, cluster structures, flat surfaces, and spectral networks. The goal of the project is to build new far-reaching connections between algebraic geometry, dynamical systems, and mathematical physics using a categorical framework.

Candidate Profile 
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate within the fields of mathematics or mathematical physics. The successful candidate will have a solid background in mathematics, particularly in algebra and geometry, with knowledge in any of the above-mentioned topics a plus. 

The successful candidates will be expected to have: 

• MSc degree in mathematics or mathematical physics – to be obtained before 1 September 2026 (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) 
• Excellent writing and oral skills in English and ability to work independently.

Research environment
The PhD project will be carried out within the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM). QM is part of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, located at the international campus of the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark. QM is established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of pure mathematics and mathematical physics. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. For more information on the QM centre, please visit https://www.sdu.dk/en/qm.

Assessment
Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the Faculty. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview

Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to qm@sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note that these need to reach us before the deadline.

Contact information
For further information please contact Associate Professor Fabian Haiden (fab@sdu.dk).

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.  

Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. 

Employment as a PhD fellow is governed by the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). 

The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser.

The assessment and evaluation process
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee and the shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns them. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicants to provide the necessary material.

Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. 

Application and salary   

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.  

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).  

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the University’s website.  

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

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following: 

• Motivated application
• CV
• BA, MA degree with transcript
• Up to 3 publications
• Reference letters

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. 

Shortlisting may be used as part of the assessment process, and an interview may be included in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications. 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply. 

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English. 

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

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark can be found on the University’s website. 

Application deadline is 15 May 2026. We are not permitted to directly contact your academic references under any circumstances, so please ensure their letters have reached us by the deadline.