Professor in Extragalactic Astrophysics

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.

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.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than12 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

To view the full announcement and to apply click the 'Apply' button