PhD scholarship in Statistical and AI-Driven Modelling for Microstructural Engineering of Additive Manufacturing DTU Construct

If you want to pursue a research career at the intersection of additive manufacturing (AM) microstructural engineering and advanced statistical/machine-learning (ML) based modelling then this PhD position is for you. DTU Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering the Section for Manufacturing Engineering invites applications for a PhD position (3 years) on the topic of statistical/AI-driven modelling for microstructural engineering of AM.

The project is part of a Villum Investigator grant titled Microstructural engineering of additive manufactured metals - MicroAM funded by the VILLUM FONDEN. The overall aim of the project is to introduce microstructural engineering to the field of additive manufacturing (AM) of metals. This is to set the stage for optimizing metals microstructures in-situ during the AM process as well as ex-situ during post-AM treatments and enable predictions of the microstructural evolution and thus changes in properties while AM components are in use.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD position will look towards establishing correlations and causal pathways for microstructure evolution during AM (as well as post-AM treatments) based on a combination of in-situ monitoring data ex-situ characterization data and failure data from aggressive loading of AM samples. The activities will span across exploratory data analysis mathematical model building with statistical/AI-tools analysis for uncertainty quantification and subsequent design of experiments for further data collection.

The PhD project will involve multi-modal datasets (e.g. microstructure images XCT scans time-series from sensors during AM and/or vector/scalar datasets like XRD) with an initial focus on identification and deployment of techniques for proper data fusion/transformation. The project will also delve into generation and integration of synthetic data via deployment of numerical simulations with existing advanced calibrated multiphysics models with real data acquired through experimentation. The overarching goal is to create and demonstrate a set of tools that can be used for microstructural engineering of AM samples of the selected materials (SS316L AlSi10Mg and possibly 17-4 PH).

To achieve the goals you will work in close collaboration with a group of experienced scientists as well as Postdocs and PhDs all engaged in the Villum Investigator project MicroAM. As a key integration sub-project you will thus be expected to regularly align with colleagues involved in experimental investigations and spearhead the formulation of the experimental campaigns that can support the creation of better models for microstructural engineering. Further a 36-month foreign stay at an international research group will be part of the PhD project where advanced skills deemed necessary for the implementation of the PhD project can be acquired.

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.

Demonstrated competence in programming with Python and working on Linux based platform is essential for this position as is a background in either Mechanical Engineering Material Science Applied Physics and/or similar disciplines. Further we are especially looking for a doctoral candidate who meets a majority of the following requirements:

• A background and strong interest in working with metallic materials.
• Experience with engineering software tools (e.g. FEA tools like Abaqus Ansys FENICS; OR CFD tools like OpenFoam Flow3D; or material modelling tools like ThermoCALC JMatPro Micress LAMMPS etc.) commonly used in the involved fields.
• Experience in working with HPC environments. Any prior experience with use of ROCm tools will be considered positively.
• Demonstrated exposure to statistical modelling and/or AI-driven modelling through courses short-projects thesis projects and/or job experience.

We envision that:

• You have deep enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team and strive for scientific excellence.
• You are interested in combining your physics-based understanding with data-driven analysis of experimental observations (or vice versa).
• You have an open mind and can think creatively in a computational and/or programming context.
• You have good communication abilities social skills and independent attitude paired with the ability to teamwork.
• You are fluent in English (oral and written).
• You are willing to participate with colleagues in relevant experimental investigations.

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 candidate will be made by a joint panel consisting of Professor Dorte Juul Jensen Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty and Senior Researcher Tianbo Yu. Successful candidates can expect at least two rounds of interviews before a selection is made.

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. Desired start date for employment is 1 August 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 Sankhya Mohanty Professor Dorte Juul Jensen or Senior Researcher Tianbo Yu .

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at about the project here 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 30 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
• A short 1-page description of each project you have worked on that you deem relevant to the PhD position. Please be brief and mention clearly the objectives the main achievements and the insights.

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 Engineeringdevelops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the 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.