PhD scholarship in synchrotron X-ray data analysis to visualise ductile failure - DTU Construct

We are seeking a PhD student with a passion for complex data analysis and data science. Help us analyse first-of-its-kind synchrotron data to reveal how voids, crystallographic features, and mechanical fields evolve in three dimensions.

You will join an international, highly multidisciplinary team of approximately eight PhD students and postdocs collaborating closely across DTU Construct and DTU Physics. Our goal is to understand and predict the mechanical behaviour of metals during plastic deformation. We combine dislocation dynamics and crystal plasticity simulations with synchrotron experiments that directly image microstructural evolution.

Your main focus will be to analyse and integrate multimodal tomography and diffraction data. You will generate first-of-its-kind 3D maps of voids, particles, grain orientations, and stress states as a tensile specimen undergoes ductile failure. These maps will enable analysis of how these microstructural features interact and provide a basic understanding of the mechanisms behind ductile failure. You will also participate in synchrotron experiments to gain first-hand insight into how the data are acquired.

Responsibilities

• Your main focus will be to analyse X-ray diffraction data to map crystallographic features and mechanical fields, refining novel algorithms for the analysis.

• You will combine the generated 3D maps with maps from tomography data visualising the evolution of voids and particles. The tomography data will be analysed using standard software.

Qualifications

• A background in applied mathematics, mechanics, or physics

• Programming skills that enable you to adapt existing data-analysis code

• The ability to collaborate effectively in an international, multidisciplinary research team

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.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years. The position is a full-time position.

Starting date is as 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Grethe Winther ([email protected]), DTU Construct, and Prof. Henning Friis Poulsen ([email protected]), DTU Physics.

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.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 4 December 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:

• 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 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 utilises 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 technical services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering systems design, design for sustainability, and thermal energy.

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.