PhD scholarship in Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing Using Natural Fiber Networks DTU Construct

The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has an open PhD position on the topic of Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing Using Natural Fiber Networks.

The position is funded in the context of the project HiProBio co-funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark. You will be working in the framework of the ongoing collaboration between DTU Construct DTU Chemical Engineering and Danish as well as international companies with the goal of implementing solutions for the development of compostable recyclable and renewable natural fiber-based packaging. This position offers unique opportunities with respect to high level research training and innovation within manufacturing engineering sustainability and circularity in an exciting combination of academic and industrial environments. The selected candidate will receive strong guidance from academic supervisors as well as from industrial experts.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD position is focused on the development of high-speed dry thermoforming processes for air-laid mats composed of natural fibers derived from locally sourced agricultural waste. The project aims to enable efficient and sustainable production of packaging components suitable for food and beverage applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of a dry thermoforming process and associated lab-scale machinery tailored to selected bio-based fiber network research activities include:

• Development of machine concepts and forming tools
• Thermoforming process optimization
• Integration of vision systems and control algorithms for in-line process and quality monitoring
• Data-driven process adaptation to accommodate varying fiber types and base material properties

The project will utilize a combination of existing and newly developed equipment to achieve targeted part properties while minimizing cycle time. Industrial validation will be conducted in collaboration with partner companies.

The position involves both theoretical and experimental work with responsibilities spanning project execution and academic dissemination. You are expected to: position the scientific work within the context of current literature. Furthermore you are expected to publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.

We are looking for candidates with an excellent academic background in production engineering or related fields. Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems machine elements press systems and process monitoring is essential. Experience with manufacturing metrology and programming tools such as MATLAB is highly valued and familiarity with Machine Learning techniques is considered a strong asset. Candidates should also possess good analytical skills and communication abilities in English.

You should have completed a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points)in Mechanical Production Materials Industrial or Robotics Engineering Computer Science or related discipline or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level.

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 seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Giuliano Bissacco according to the qualification requirements stated above.

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. It is expected that the selected candidate will start in the position in January 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Giuliano Bissacco (45 ).

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. Furthermore 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 5 December 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted asone PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attachall 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
• An outline of relevant projects carried out with relevance to the contents of this project with explanation of your contributions.

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 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 UNs 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. Thatmission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and6000 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.