PhD scholarship in Integrated Structural Topology and AM Process Optimization for Fiber Reinforced Composites - DTU Construct

You are invited to apply for a 3-year PhD position starting early 2025 within the field of fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing methods and topology optimization. The PhD project is funded through the research project “The holistic digital framework for 4D printing of smart sustainable composites” granted by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

The research project elucidates foundational knowledge about 4D printing of composites with optimized anisotropic microstructures, poised to revolutionize composite fabrication. By creating novel algorithms that integrates optimization of structural topology and local fiber orientation, along with toolpath planning and nozzle movement, we aim at attaining tailored anisotropic material properties and specific stimuli responses for various applications.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project involves extensive development and implementation of numerical algorithms for topology optimization. Hence, it is a prerequisite that you document your experience with finite element programming to receive full consideration. Preference will be given to candidates with documented experience in at least one and preferably more of the following areas: computational solid mechanics; computational fluid mechanics; finite element methods; numerical optimization methods; fiber orientation and/or topology optimization; additive manufacturing.

We envision that:

• You have an open mind and can think creatively in mathematical, physical, mechanical and programming contexts
• You are eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve the ideas, and test them by implementation
• Your research will be conducted in a multidisciplinary collaboration with various researchers with backgrounds in manufacturing, materials and optimization.
• You know and have in-depth experience within topology optimization and/or finite element analysis and are committed to improving state-of-the-art     
• You preferably have insight into additive manufacturing methods, the materials used and possibly also some hands-on experience with slicers and printers.

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 within the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics or Computer Science.

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 . 

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. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Casper Schousboe Andreasen, [email protected] , or Professor Jon Spangenberg, [email protected] .

You can read more about DTU Construct at https://construct.dtu.dk .

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 1 December 2024 (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

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 the position involves research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, among other things, open-source background checks will 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. 

Technology for people
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.