The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, invites applications for a PhD position in algorithms. The position has a duration of 3 years (5+3 program) or 4 years (4+4 program).
The proposed starting time is Fall 2026, with some room for flexibility. The appointment will be made at a competitive salary and will follow the PhD study program at the Faculty of Science
This position is embedded in the project “PARAMLP: Parameterized Algorithms and Polyhedra” funded by the ERC The ERC is the premier European funding organization dedicated to frontier research of the highest quality. The aim of the project is to make significant advances in the theory of algorithms, specifically on parameterized algorithms and approximation algorithm, using linear programming methods. Over the next years, the project will grow to a collaborate team of 4-5 PhD students and Postdocs.
The successful candidate will work directly with the project's principal investigator, Associate Professor Lars Rohwedder, an internationally recognized expert in the areas of approximation algorithms and parameterized algorithms, see www.larsrohwedder.com for more information. The team is part of a larger algorithms section at IMADA, see also algorithms.sdu.dk
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate from computer science, mathematics, or a related field, who obtained or is close to obtaining the qualifications for the 5+3 or 4+4 program. A strong proficiency in mathematical formalism, demonstrated for example in a theoretical thesis, and interest in the topics of the project is required. Prior experience on the specific topics is not required, but a plus.
These topics include:
Fluency in English is required.
About the Department and the University
Based in Odense, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers an inclusive and international working environment with state-of-the-art facilities as well as a strong tradition for collaboration across departments and faculties, and with other educational institutions, municipalities, and industries. More than two thirds of faculty members come from outside of Denmark.
The University of Southern Denmark was founded in 1966 and now has more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has more than 3,800 employees, and 115 different study programs in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense, the third largest city in Denmark. Odense provides family-friendly living conditions with the perfect combination of a historic city center with an urban feel and yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.
We recommend that as an international applicant, you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU
Contact information
For more information about the department and the position, please contact Associate Professor Lars Rohwedder at rohwedder@sdu.dk
Application, salary etc.
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).
Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position or four years in the case of 4+4.
Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission.
Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University
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 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 salary and conditions of employment
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
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
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.
The application
Applicants are encouraged to read the information "How to apply" before applying.
To qualify for the position as PhD fellow, you must have obtained a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) for enrollment in the 5+3 PhD programme, or have completed the first year of a master’s degree programme for enrollment in the 4+4 PhD programme by the enrollment/employment date.
Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:
The application and all appendices must be in English. We request files in pdf-format no more than 5 MB per file. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.
Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.
If the application does not meet the requirements mentioned above, the faculty may reject your application without further notice. Applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.
We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
