DTU - Technical University of Denmark
PhD scholarship in Statistical and AI-Driven Modelling for Microstructural Engineering of Additive Manufacturing - DTU Construct
🇩🇰Denmark2 months ago
EntryFull Time
If you want to pursue a research career at the intersection of additive manufacturing (AM), microstructural engineering and advanced statistical/machine-learning (ML) based modelling, then this PhD position is for you. DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, the Section for Manufacturing Engineering invites applications for a PhD position (3 years) on the topic of statistical/AI-driven modelling for microstructural engineering of AM.
The project is part of a Villum Investigator grant titled “Microstructural engineering of additive manufactured metals - MicroAM” funded by the VILLUM FONDEN. The overall aim of the project is to introduce microstructural engineering to the field of additive manufacturing (AM) of metals. This is to set the stage for optimizing metals microstructures in-situ during the AM process as well as ex-situ during post-AM treatments and enable predictions of the microstructural evolution, and thus changes in properties, while AM components are in use.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD position will look towards establishing correlations and causal pathways for microstructure evolution during AM (as well as post-AM treatments), based on a combination of in-situ monitoring data, ex-situ characterization data and failure data from aggressive loading of AM samples. The activities will span across exploratory data analysis, mathematical model building with statistical/AI-tools, analysis for uncertainty quantification and subsequent design of experiments for further data collection.
The PhD project will involve multi-modal datasets (e.g. microstructure images, XCT scans, time-series from sensors during AM and/or vector/scalar datasets like XRD), with an initial focus on identification and deployment of techniques for proper data fusion/transformation. The project will also delve into generation and integration of synthetic data, via deployment of numerical simulations with existing advanced calibrated multiphysics models, with real data acquired through experimentation. The overarching goal is to create and demonstrate a set of tools that can be used for microstructural engineering of AM samples of the selected materials (SS316L, AlSi10Mg and possibly 17-4 PH).
To achieve the goals, you will work in close collaboration with a group of experienced scientists, as well as Postdocs and PhDs all engaged in the Villum Investigator project MicroAM. As a key integration sub-project, you will thus be expected to regularly align with colleagues involved in experimental investigations and spearhead the formulation of the experimental campaigns that can support the creation of better models for microstructural engineering. Further, a 3–6-month foreign stay at an international research group will be part of the PhD project, where advanced skills deemed necessary for the implementation of the PhD project can be acquired.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Demonstrated competence in programming with Python and working on Linux based platform is essential for this position, as is a background in either Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Physics and/or similar disciplines. Further, we are especially looking for a doctoral candidate who meets a majority of the following requirements:
We envision that:
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the candidate will be made by a joint panel consisting of Professor Dorte Juul Jensen, Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty and Senior Researcher Tianbo Yu. Successful candidates can expect at least two rounds of interviews before a selection is made.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
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.
The period of employment is 3 years. Desired start date for employment is 1 August 2026 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty, samoh@dtu.dk, Professor Dorte Juul Jensen doje@dtu.dk or Senior Researcher Tianbo Yu tiyu@dtu.dk.
You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk and about the project here https://construct.dtu.dk/microam.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 April 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:
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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.
DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.
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.
