PhD Scholarship in Surveillance DTU Space

Do you want to work with high-tech surveillance technologies for protecting the Kingdom of Denmark

Specifically optoDAS and hydrophone data fusion analyzed with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for surveillance of the Arctic maritime and critical infrastructures. Then we have PhD openings at the Center for Security at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

More about seabed surveillance
DAS systems in seabed optical fibers and hydrophones can monitor ships whales trawl waves and seismic activity in real-time. Detection classification and ID methods developed for satellite imagery can also be used for acoustic data analysis. Through sensor fusion they provide advanced maritime and critical infrastructure surveillance from seabed to space from DK to the Arctic.

We offer you the opportunity to be part of a broader project on Arctic and maritime surveillance in which several departments at DTU conduct research on security-related aspects.

The project is funded by the Danish Defense.

You willbe a part of the young and dynamic Center for Security working in collaboration with several departments at DTU Aqua Space Electro and Compute. You will be involved in and contribute to related ongoing projects.

Your main tasks will be to design develop and validate methods for Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and hydrophone systems for Arctic marine and critical infrastructure surveillance. You will exploit AI to fuse measurements derived using different techniques and sensors and extend collaboration within Security DTU including with departments at DTU Aqua Space Electro and Compute as well as with project partners in industry government agencies Greenland the Faroe Islands and other countries. You will also contribute to the international research community by presenting relevant results at international conferences and workshops and publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters 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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicant will be made by the Center for Security DTU and DTU Aqua

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.

Starting date is sept. 2026 or later according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Henning Heiselberg Head of Security DTU at or Patrizio Mariani DTU Aqua at .

You can read more at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 September 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 masters 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 Space is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark and is the leading institution concerning public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research development public-sector consultancy education and innovation at the highest international level in the following areas: Space Technology & Instrumentation Earth Observation & Geoscience and Space & Astrophysics.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.