PhD scholarship in Automated Optical assessment of Marine Biofouling - DTU Chemical Engineering

Jobbeskrivelse

Are you excited about combining optical imaging, machine learning, and marine coating science to solve real-world sustainability challenges? We invite you to apply for this interdisciplinary PhD project at the Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST), DTU Chemical Engineering.

You will develop the next generation of automated methods for assessing marine biofouling on coated test panels exposed at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested. The project builds on a recently developed underwater imaging and analysis pipeline and will take it further by improving robustness, automation, and image-based fouling quantification across large experimental datasets. You will also explore new optical and data-driven approaches for detecting biofouling at earlier stages, potentially before visible macrofouling develops, and use these methods to study how fouling forms, changes, detaches, and regrows on functional coating surfaces under realistic marine exposure conditions.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be to develop, validate, and apply automated optical methods for quantitative biofouling assessment. This will require a combination of strong programming skills, a good understanding of imaging and image processing, and a practical hands-on mentality. You will work with underwater camera systems installed at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested, develop robust analysis pipelines for large image datasets, and explore new methods for detecting and quantifying early-stage fouling and fouling dynamics on coating surfaces.

• Developing and improving automated image analysis workflows for marine biofouling assessment
• Processing large image datasets from underwater exposure tests at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested
• Applying and developing machine learning methods, such as classical machine learning, random forests, neural networks, or segmentation models, for fouling detection and quantification
• Improving the robustness, automation, and quality control of existing analysis pipelines
• Contributing to the development, testing, and maintenance of underwater imaging systems
• Exploring new optical and data-driven methods for earlier detection of biofouling, including the detection of weak, thin, or early-stage fouling layers
• Using the developed methods to study biofouling processes such as growth, regrowth after cleaning, detachment, and fouling release during static and dynamic testing
• Collaborating with researchers, technicians, and students across coating science, marine testing, imaging, and data science
• Disseminating your work through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences
• Supervising BSc and MSc student projects
• Completing PhD courses and teaching assistant work as part of the DTU PhD programme
• Contribute to the general development of the research centre

We are looking for highly motivated and academically strong candidates who have:

• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python
• Experience with image analysis, computer vision, scientific imaging, or signal processing
• Interest in machine learning and data-driven research
• A practical, hands-on mindset and motivation to work with experimental equipment and real-world measurement systems
• Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research environment
• Good communication skills in English

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, preferably in an engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical or chemical engineering).

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 applicants will be made by Jochen Dreyer based on the application documents, alignment of the candidate with the mentioned qualifications, and the impressions during the interview.

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 October 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 19 July 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.