Postdoc in digital twins for neutron scattering methods DTU Energy

Are you passionate about simulating neutron scattering measurements and do you see the potential in applying such virtual tools to support or even replace hands-on training of students and users

This postdoc position is a part of the ACCESS projectAugmenting the STEM classroom by ESS digital ACCESS project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and it is a collaboration between DTU Technical University of Denmark University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and the European Spallation Source (ESS). ESS in Lund Sweden is a future large-scale research facility for neutron-based investigation of materials in a broad sense.

The aim of this postdoc position is to design implement and validate McStas digital twins of selected ESS instruments to a level of detail that mimics the authentic experience of the full experimental pipeline with a set of representative and relevant virtual samples to facilitate realistic training in state-of-the-art data analysis.

The overall strategic objective of the ACCESS project is to develop even better education to train the scientists and engineers of the addition to this postdoc position the ACCESS project includes two other postdocs and one PhD position.

Responsibilities and qualifications
In our ACCESS team we have developed McStas the leading Monte Carlo-based ray-tracing simulation tool to design and predict the performance of neutron instruments. The first simple McStas digital twins for teaching neutron methods exist and we have successfully applied these.

Your responsibility will be to:

• Design implement and test the full experimental pipeline for a set of authentic samples including the associated data analysis.
• Validate the data produced by the digital twins by linking virtual experiments with real data that you acquire.
• Work with two neutron scattering methods chosen among imaging smallangle scattering diffraction and inelastic scattering related to the ESS instruments ODIN LOKI DREAM and BIFROST depending on your competences.
• Select relevant samples for the experiments with the option to conduct experiments on more complex samples within the chosen neutron methodologies.
• Design virtual experiments suitable for teaching at both BSc and MSc levelstargeting nonexpert students (method applications) as well as more advanced students (method development).
• Contribute to ensuring that the digital twins ultimately become a tool for training new neutronscattering users.

You will work closely with the ACCESS team that also comprises a similar postdoc as well as a postdoc and a PhD student who will work on the didactical aspects of teaching using digital twins. We willemploy a design-based research methodology by iterative cycles of design testing and refinement of the digital twins in real educational settings.

Qualified applicants must have:

• A PhD in physics engineering material science or similar.
• Experience with performing and analysing neutron scattering experiments.
• Scientific programming skills in Python or similar
• McStas experience is an advantage
• An interest in developing high-quality university teaching and training.
• Ability to work independently and plan and carry out complicated tasks.
• Good communication skills in English both written and spoken.

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 Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2½ years. Starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Luise Theil Kuhnor phone +45 . Applications cannot be sent to this e-mail address only applications sent via the online link as described below will be considered.

You can read more about DTU Energy at 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 1 May 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
• A short text (max. 1 A4 page) where you outline your research vision for this project.

A similar postdoc position is announced in parallel at UCPH in the group of Professor Kim Lefmann. If you want to be considered for both positions you must submit your online application via the DTU and the UCPH application portals.

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 Energy is focused on education research and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy a sustainable energy system a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells solar cells and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 300 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on.

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.