PhD scholarship in Topology Optimization for Additively Manufactured Fuel Cells DTU Construct

We are looking for an excellent PhD candidate with finite element and possibly topology optimization expertise for an exciting interdisciplinary project within design of additively manufactured ceramic fuel cells. The project shall develop design approaches that take manufacturing induced effects such as residual stresses defects and edge roughness into account. The project is anchored at DTU Construct and funded by the Villum Investigator Project AMSTRAD granted by the Villum Foundation.

AMSTRAD is a six-year research project aimed at developing advanced numerical inverse design tools that allow for systematic investigations and design of materials and structures with disorder and defects either by design or as introduced by non-perfect manufacturing processes.

Additive Manufacturing opens new frontiers in solid oxide fuel cell design by enabling architected geometries that merge structural integrity with electrochemical functionality. DTU Construct and DTU Energy have pioneered the concept of gyroidal fuel cellsmonolithic architectures that drastically reduce weight while enhancing active surface area and mass transport. Building on this foundation an active team of researchers is currently supported by external and internal funds such as the Villum P2X Accelerator Grant and DTU Rectors Strategic Fund respectively. The present PhD project will work alongside this team to push the limits of both performance and manufacturability.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You shall develop advanced topology optimization frameworks that simultaneously minimize sintering-induced stresses and defects maximize electrochemical activity and ensure printability and robustness. The work bridges materials science additive manufacturing and computational design aiming to unlock the next generation of high-power crack-resistant fuel cells and at the same time provide advance design concepts that take manufacturing uncertainties into account.

Your primary responsibilities will be to:

• Collaborate with DTU Construct DTU Energy researchers to predict and quantify manufacturing induced errors and defects
• Develop multi-physics topology optimization models coupling sintering mechanical and electrochemical phenomena
• Collaborate with DTU Construct DTU Energy researchers to validate optimized designs experimentally via AM and electrochemical testing
• Explore design strategies that balance surface area structural integrity and manufacturability
• Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences

We are looking for a candidate with:

• An .-degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering materials science or a related field
• Strong background in finite element modeling and/or topology optimization
• Interest or experience in additive manufacturing and ceramic sintering
• Advanced programming skills (e.g. MATLAB Python Abacus or COMSOL scripting)
• Curiosity creativity and motivation to bridge simulation and experiment in high-performance ceramic materials

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 candidates will be made by Professor and Villum Investigator Ole Sigmund Head of DTU Construct AM Lab Venkata Karthik Nadimpalli and PhDVincenzo Esposito.

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 1 February 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Ole Sigmund () orVenkata Karthik Nadimpalli ().

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the TopOpt-group 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 9December 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 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. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 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.