Academic position in Experimental Mechanics for Composite Structures - DTU Construct

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) invites candidates for a part time position in the field of Experimental Mechanics for Composite Structures. The position will be associated with the Lightweight Structures group at the Section for Structures and Safety, one of ten sections in the department. 

The Lightweight Structures group consists of around 10 people and is focused on research, education and innovation within primarily polymer-based fiber-reinforced composite structures within a broad spectrum of applications ranging from aircrafts, ships, offshore structures, vehicles and energy applications - including wind and wave energy.

Currently the group is involved in several National, European and International research cooperation networks and projects focused on advanced testing of composite structures and components. The research activities are ranging from developing new fracture mechanical characterization test standards and intermediate-scale element test approaches with the aircraft industry, as well as advanced hybrid simulation testing of large wave energy systems, which are not possible to test prior to commissioning offshore. All testing activities are underpinned by the world-leading test facilities for mechanical testing of structures and materials available in DTU Structural Lab (a lab unit under CASMaT – www.casmat.dtu.dk). 

The Lightweight Structures group has over 20 years of experience, developing both advanced fracture mechanical computational analysis methods as well as test methods to address the criticality of damage in composite and sandwich structures in relation to damage tolerance and structural damage assessment. 

The job
You will be responsible for technical tasks, involving but not limited to experimental mechanics of composite structures in aircrafts. These will include the following areas within the current and future project activities of the group:

• Experimental analysis and evaluation of composite and sandwich structures, mostly oriented towards standardized tests within the fracture mechanics domain. This involves activity in the lab and use of servo-hydraulic testing machines, test setups and state-of-the-art monitoring techniques.
• Development and design of new structural and element test setups and methodologies based on existing load frames in DTU Structural Lab.
• Participate and contribute to the development of new fracture mechanics test standards for sandwich materials in close cooperation with international partners and standardization organizations (e.g. ASTM).
• Contribute to the development of new volumes within the CMH-17 organization and network (https://www.cmh17.org ).

It is important that you can work independently, but also work in close cooperation with both other members of the Lightweight Structures group as well as national and international partners in the associated research projects and networks.

Our expectations of you
Candidates should be in the second half of their MSc in a related subject, i.e. Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or Aerospace Engineering, involving experimental mechanics, and preferably fracture mechanics and/or hybrid simulation testing.

We also expect you to possess a high degree of flexibility and self-motivation, which are desired skills at DTU. In addition, we expect the candidate to be interested in collaboration, but also to be able to work independently and take personal responsibility for assigned work tasks without close day-to-day supervision. 

It is expected that you has a background within experimental mechanics and possesses general knowledge of composite mechanics. Preferably the candidate would have experience with CAD and FE tools such as Solidwork and Abaqus, but also experience in programming, for example in Matlab.

What we offer in return
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 for this position is 6 months.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 12 November 2024.  Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

Further information may be obtained from Professor and Head of Section, Christian Berggreen, tel.: +45 4525 1373 or by email [email protected] .

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 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. 

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DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.