Job Description

DTU Space, the Institute for Space Research and Space Technology at the Technical University of Denmark, invites applications for a professorship in the area of observational extragalactic astrophysics.

We are seeking candidates from the field of galaxy evolution to strengthen the current research interests of the DNRF Cosmic Dawn Center and to expand the research activities of DTU with a focus on infrared/far-IR/sub-millimetre extragalactic astronomy, on the interplay between galaxy formation and the interstellar medium across cosmic time, and on the development and scientific leadership of next-generation astronomical facilities.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The duties will primarily include research, including obligations regarding publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations.

You are also expected to:

• Conduct cutting-edge research in galaxy evolution and formulate and execute ambitious observational programmes on major observing facilities, with particular emphasis on infrared, far-infrared, millimetre and radio observations.
• Lead and participate in national and international collaborations and activities associated with the Cosmic Dawn Center at DTU Space and contribute actively to the strategic development of research directions and partnerships.
• Contribute to the development of future astronomical facilities and instruments, including scientific leadership in instrumentation, survey planning, community coordination or related strategic initiatives where relevant.
• Mentor and supervise students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists at all academic levels, and help foster an ambitious, inclusive and collaborative research environment.
• Contribute to the department's service, outreach and knowledge-exchange activities, including representation in relevant scientific, educational and public-facing contexts.
• Contribute to departmental duties such as committee work, recruitment, assessment, strategy processes and other shared academic responsibilities expected at professorial level.

You have outstanding research achievements in the field of extragalactic astrophysics and galaxy evolution, with extensive observational experience at major ground-based and space-based facilities. You should have particular strength in infrared, far-infrared, millimetre, sub-millimetre, and radio observations, along with an excellent publication record, clear scientific independence, and a strong international reputation appropriate for appointment at the professorial level.

You must have documented experience in university teaching, course development and supervision at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels, with the ability and willingness to take a leading role in teaching and educational development within astrophysics.

You should also demonstrate strong academic leadership, including mentoring early-career researchers, contributing to the development of the Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics section, and engaging in strategic planning at the Cosmic Dawn Center.

Additional key qualifications include:

• A proven track record of leading multi-institutional collaborations and of building, developing and sustaining ambitious research groups, centres, or major collaborative programmes.
• A strong record of attracting competitive external funding and of developing long-term research strategies that support growth in people, infrastructure and scientific impact.
• Substantial international research experience and active participation in major international collaborations, networks and scientific communities relevant to extragalactic astrophysics.
• Demonstrated academic leadership skills, including the ability to lead scientific strategy, mentor early-career researchers, and contribute to the broader development of the Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics section and the Cosmic Dawn Center.
• Documented involvement in, and preferably scientific leadership of, the development of future astronomical facilities and instrumentation, large surveys, instrumentation programmes or community roadmaps.
• The ability to lead and contribute to national and international collaborations and activities associated with the Cosmic Dawn Center at DTU Space, including strategic development of research directions, mentoring early-career scientists, and fostering collaborations across DTU and partner institutions.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to work across disciplines and to engage constructively with students, colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.

You are expected to take a leading role in teaching and educational development at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels, including course design, curriculum development, supervision, examination, and the continued strengthening of astrophysics teaching within the department.

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
• Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

Expected start date 1st January 2027.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from the Head of Section Desiree Della Monica Ferreira, mail: desiree@space.dtu.dk, tel.: +45 4525 9722.

You can read more about DTU Space at https://www.space.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time)

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
• Vision for teaching and research
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

You can learn more about the recruitment process here

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The DTU Space Institute has about 220 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark. We link natural science closely with the development of new technology. DTU Space is involved in the full life cycle of space activities, including concept and design, construction and prototyping, calibration and validation, implementation and operations, data analysis, processing, dissemination, and applications, leading to new instruments and applications. With the specialised and refined technology available, we are getting more and more answers and further insight about the Earth and the universe surrounding us. We contribute to about 200 scientific publications a year.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.