Description

The Niels Bohr International Academy (NBIA) at the Niels Bohr Institute invites expressions of interest for a postdoctoral fellowship in near-horizon black hole astrophysics.  We seek an outstanding independent researcher who will work in Prof. Andrew Chael’s interdisciplinary group to advance our understanding of black holes, their environments, and their relativistic jets. 

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Chael to advance theoretical models and simulations of black holes and connect them to resolved horizon-scale data from the Event Horizon Telescope, the forthcoming Black Hole Explorer space VLBI mission, and multiwavelength observatories. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience with general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of black hole accretion flows or the analysis and imaging of Event Horizon Telescope data, but outstanding candidates with strong records of research in related areas of astrophysics will be considered. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be encouraged to pursue their own research ideas and collaborations while contributing to the broader scientific program of Prof. Chael’s group. Group members will have access to NBIA’s computational resources, including an in-house CPU/GPU cluster. 

NBIA is an international center for fundamental research in theoretical physics that brings together researchers across astrophysics, gravitational physics, particle physics, quantum sciences, and soft matter physics. NBIA frequently hosts seminars, international visitors, workshops, and PhD schools. Astrophysicists at NBIA regularly interact and collaborate with the larger community of astrophysicists and gravitational physicists in Copenhagen, including at the Center of Gravity, DAWN, DARK, and StarPlan.

The initial appointment is for two years with a possible extension to a third year. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV including a publication list, and a research statement describing previous achievements, future directions, and connections to Prof. Chael’s research program via Academic Jobs Online by December 1, 2026. Expressions of interest received after this date may also be considered. The position is expected to begin in the fall of 2027. 

Employees at the University of Copenhagen receive a competitive salary, including pension. Denmark offers generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, six weeks of paid vacation, and access to public healthcare. Eligible international researchers may also benefit from Denmark’s special researcher tax scheme. Copenhagen is a beautiful, family-friendly city with a large international community, a lively and diverse cultural scene, and a very high quality of life.

The University of Copenhagen welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of personal background.

Inquiries may be addressed to Andrew Chael by email (andrew.chael@nbi.ku.dk).