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

Jobbeskrivelse

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 cells—monolithic 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 Rector’s 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.

• 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 M.Sc.-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 master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's 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 DTU's 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 PhD Vincenzo 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.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Ole Sigmund (olsi@dtu.dk) or Venkata Karthik Nadimpalli (vkna@dtu.dk).

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk and the TopOpt-group at www.topopt.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation 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 9 December 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 master's 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.