PhD Position in Statistics

University of Copenhagen

The Department of Mathematical Sciences (MATH) invites applications for PhD stipends in Statistics and the mathematics of Insurance and Economics.

Start date: Ordinarily 1 September 2026, but can be subject to negotiation.

The Project

Applications are invited for PhD stipends in the following areas, all within the sections of Insurance and Economics and Statistics and Probability Theory:

• Model uncertainty in green finance (Contact: Johannes Wiesel – wiesel@math.ku.dk)
• Monte Carlo methods for high-dimensional statistics and machine learning (Contact: Jun Yang – jy@math.ku.dk)
• Causality, temporal dynamic systems, and semiparametric theory (Contact: Niels Richard Hansen – niels.r.hansen@math.ku.dk)
• Statistics for nonlinear and nonstationary stochastic processes, with applications in tipping systems in climate and ecology (Contact: Susanne Ditlevsen – susanne@math.ku.dk)
• Optimization under decision-dependent uncertainty (Contact: Giovanni Pantuso – gp@math.ku.dk)
• Actuarial science within the project frame InterAct (Contact: Mogens Steffensen – mogens@math.ku.dk)
• Statistics, mathematics-economics, and actuarial science in general (Contact: PhD coordinator Helle Sørensen – helle@math.ku.dk)

Applicants are encouraged to specify preferred project(s) and supervisor(s) in their application. You are welcome to contact any member of the sections to discuss research projects.

Who Are We Looking For?

Candidates should have an education in Statistics, Insurance, Economics, or related fields, with strong mathematical qualifications.

About the Department

• About 55 permanent scientific staff members.
• Around 60 PhD students and 35 postdocs.
• Strong research groups in Mathematics, Statistics, Insurance, and Economics.
• Active PhD, postdoc, and visitor programs.
• Located in central Copenhagen next to Fælledparken.

The department provides creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

The PhD Programme

Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

Option A: Three-year full-time study within the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish Master’s degree.

Option B: Up to five-year full-time study within the integrated MSc and PhD programme (3+5 scheme), if you do not have a relevant Danish Master’s degree but have a degree equivalent to a Danish Bachelor’s.

Option A: Regular PhD Programme

Qualifications Needed: Completion of a degree programme equivalent to a Danish Master’s (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) in Mathematics or related fields.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-time PhD fellowship, maximum 3 years.
• Conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen.
• Terms follow the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC).
• Position covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Option B: Integrated MSc and PhD Programme

Qualifications Needed: Education equivalent to a Danish Bachelor’s degree.

Terms:

• Enrolment as PhD student simultaneously with MSc programme in Mathematics or Quantum Information Science.
• Duration: Up to five years depending on MSc credits.
• Before MSc completion, the grant is partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (“SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision, etc.) totaling 150 working hours per year.
• PhD grant portion (2025): DKK 7,086 per month before tax.
• After MSc completion, transfer to salary-earning PhD portion for two years, terms per AC agreement.

Responsibilities and Tasks (Both Programmes)

• Complete MSc education (only for integrated programme).
• Carry out independent research under supervision.
• Complete PhD courses (~30 ECTS).
• Participate in active research environments, including stays at other institutions (preferably abroad).
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination.
• Write scientific papers for high-impact journals.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis.

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
• Relevant publications and work experience.
• Curious mindset with strong interest in Mathematics and applications.
• Good language skills.

Application and Assessment Procedure

Applications must be in English and submitted electronically.

Required Documents:

• Motivated letter of application (max. 1 page).
• Curriculum vitae including education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills.
• Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcripts (authorized English translation if required). If not completed, certified copy of recent transcript or written statement accepted.
• Publication list (if available).
• Reference letters (if available).

Application Deadline: 15 November 2025, 23:59 GMT +1

Selection Process

• Applicants selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor.
• Candidates notified if passed for assessment.
• Assessors evaluate qualifications, experience, techniques, and skills.
• Candidates can comment on assessment.
• Interviews expected in weeks 2–13, 2026.

Contact

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website.

Application Start Date: 1 September 2026

Working Hours: Full-time

Department/Location: Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

The University encourages applications from all backgrounds and promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard.

Application Deadline: 15-11-2025