PhD scholarship in Research and Development of Intelligent CZT Detector Modules for High-Sensitivity Transient Gamma-Ray Mission DTU Space

Project Description
The project focuses on advanced semiconductor radiation detector modules for high-energy transient gamma-ray missions. Transient atmospheric gamma-ray phenomena generate extremely high count rates on microsecond timescales challenging conventional detectors through pile-up spectral distortion and saturation.

The PhD project will develop and experimentally validate intelligent cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector modules with waveform-level readout and machine-learning-based signal processing. The objective is to improve energy resolution three-dimensional interaction position reconstruction timing performance and radiation-type identification under high-flux conditions.

A central component of the project is the design training optimization and FPGA implementation of neural network models for real-time detector signal processing. Trained models will be deployed on FPGA platforms to achieve low-latency and high-throughput embedded processing. The work integrates detector physics semiconductor device understanding experimental characterization machine learning and digital hardware implementation.

The project includes an industrial secondment at Integrated Detector Electronics AS (IDEAS) which will actively support ASIC readout integration and system-level validation.

Your Tasks

Develop theoretical and numerical models of CZT detector response
Design and characterize multi-electrode semiconductor detector modules
Perform radiation measurements and detector calibration
Develop and train machine learning models for waveform-level signal analysis
Optimize and implement trained neural networks on FPGA platforms
Benchmark detector and algorithm performance against established methods
Collaborate with IDEAS on readout electronics and system validation

Your Profile

MSc degree in Electrical Engineering Engineering Physics Applied Physics or a related field
Strong background in radiation detection and measurements
Experience with semiconductor radiation detectors
Hands-on experience with experimental radiation measurements and detector data analysis
Solid knowledge of semiconductor physics
Proven experience with FPGA development and digital hardware implementation
Strong background in machine learning including neural network training and deployment
Experience implementing trained neural networks or advanced signal processing on FPGA or embedded systems
Strong programming skills in relevant scientific and machine learning frameworks

Preference will be given to applicants with an MSc in Electrical Engineering with documented knowledge in semiconductor physics detector instrumentation digital design and machine learning for signal processing.

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.

We offer

A position in an internationally recognized detector research laboratory at DTU Space
Participation in the European GRAIL Doctoral Network with international training and secondments
Close collaboration with industry through secondment at IDEAS
A structured doctoral training program under Horizon Europe MSCA rules
Funding for conferences and international research stays

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.

The position is funded under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) GRAIL. Salary and employment conditions follow Danish regulations and the applicable MSCA rules.

In addition to the salary the recruited candidate will receive a mobility allowance in accordance with MSCA regulations to support transnational mobility. A family allowance will be provided if the candidate fulfils the eligibility criteria defined by the European Commission at the time of recruitment.

The final remuneration is subject to Danish tax legislation and the correction coefficient applicable to Denmark.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Eligibility
Applicants must comply with the Horizon Europe MSCA mobility rule. The candidate must not have resided in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment and must be within the first four years of their research career at the time of recruitment.

The employment period is 36 months. Salary and employment conditions follow Danish regulations and Horizon Europe MSCA rules.

Working Environment
The project involves experimental work with radioactive calibration sources and activities in controlled laboratory and cleanroom facilities at DTU Space. Applicants are kindly requested to confidentially inform DTU of any medical conditions or physical limitations that may require workplace accommodation or that could affect work in radiation-controlled or cleanroom environments. DTU ensures equal opportunity and appropriate accommodation in accordance with Danish regulations.

Further information
Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Irfan Kuvvetli at . You can read more about DTU Space and Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics at 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 20 April 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 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.