PhD scholarship in Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing Using Natural Fiber Networks - DTU Construct

Jobbeskrivelse

The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has an open PhD position on the topic of “Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing Using Natural Fiber Networks”. The position is funded in the context of the project HiProBio co-funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark. You will be working in the framework of the ongoing collaboration between DTU Construct, DTU Chemical Engineering and Danish as well as international companies with the goal of implementing solutions for the development of compostable, recyclable and renewable natural fiber-based packaging. This position offers unique opportunities with respect to high level research, training and innovation within manufacturing engineering, sustainability and circularity, in an exciting combination of academic and industrial environments. The selected candidate will receive strong guidance from academic supervisors as well as from industrial experts.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The PhD position is focused on the development of high-speed dry thermoforming processes for air-laid mats composed of natural fibers derived from locally sourced agricultural waste. The project aims to enable efficient and sustainable production of packaging components suitable for food and beverage applications. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of a dry thermoforming process and associated lab-scale machinery tailored to selected bio-based fiber network materials.

• Development of machine concepts and forming tools
• Thermoforming process optimization
• Integration of vision systems and control algorithms for in-line process and quality monitoring
• Data-driven process adaptation to accommodate varying fiber types and base material properties

The project will utilize a combination of existing and newly developed equipment to achieve targeted part properties while minimizing cycle time. Industrial validation will be conducted in collaboration with partner companies. The position involves both theoretical and experimental work, with responsibilities spanning project execution and academic dissemination. You are expected to: position the scientific work within the context of current literature. Furthermore, you are expected to publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.

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. It is expected that the selected candidate will start in the position in January 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Giuliano Bissacco (gibi@dtu.dk +45 45254895). You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 December 2025 (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
• An outline of relevant projects carried out with relevance to the contents of this project, with explanation of your contributions.

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.