Postdoc in X-ray diffraction and strain analysis DTU Construct

DTU Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering Section for Manufacturing Engineering has a vacant postdoc position within the EIC Transition project Laboratory 4 Dimensional X-ray Diffraction for Sustainable Materials Development (Lab4DMade).

A central aim of the project and of this position is to develop local strain analysis tools for the state of-the-art laboratory 4D X-ray micro-beam diffraction technique Lab-4DµXRD and to apply this technique to quantify local microstructural evolution during mechanical loading. The work will lay a strong foundation for the application of this novel characterization tool in the development of next-generation sustainable materials and beyond.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing software for analyzing both elastic strain tensors and local plastic strains (including operating slip systems) from Lab-4DµXRD data in collaboration with the DTU Lab4DMade team and the Danish company Xnovo Technology ApS.
• Performing in situ Lab-4DµXRD experiments to follow the microstructural evolution during tensile loading of aluminum samples containing second-phase intermetallic particles.
• Performing synchrotron experiments to validate Lab-4DµXRD results.
• Implementing crystal plasticity finite element models that use the experimental data as input and to understand the observed local strain heterogeneities

You will work in close collaboration with a group of senior scientists and technicians as well as Postdocs and PhDs. Also the work will involve collaboration with selected external partners.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in several of the following areas:

• X-ray physics
• Microstructural characterization
• Plastic deformation
• Crystallography
• Physical Metallurgy
• Mechanics
• Strain analysis

Experience with synchrotron or laboratory 3D diffraction imaging is considered as a significant advantage. Excellent English communication skills are also essential

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional addition supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTUs salary structure for scientific staff: period of employment is 1.5 years. Starting date 01.11.2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromSenior Scientist Yubin Zhang tel: 45 or Professor Dorte Juul Jensen tel:

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
• List of publications

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.

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.