PhD scholarship in Experimental Optimization of Gas Atomization for Additive Manufacturing - DTU Construct

Jobbeskrivelse

If you are eager to kick-start your scientific career and explore the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing processes, advanced simulation and gas atomization, this opportunity is for you. At DTU, you will work at the forefront of the gas atomization process, with optimisation of the gas and melt nozzles that are at the heart of the process with the aim of making tailor-made powders for specific applications.

Applications are invited for a 3-year Ph.D. position starting in February 2026 within research in optimised design of gas and melt nozzles to produce metal powders with predetermined particle size distributions for laser powder bed fusion and binder jetting processes.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team working on the optimization of nozzle design for metal powder production. This position involves close collaboration with another PhD student focused on modelling gas and melt flow, as well as droplet formation. You will be supported by experienced scientific and technical staff at DTU.

You will be responsible for conducting experimental investigations into how nozzle geometry and configuration influence powder size distribution and morphology. You will design innovative nozzle components—such as gas manifolds and ceramic inserts—and contribute to their fabrication using advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Your work will involve performing powder production experiments at both DTU and RWTH Aachen, utilizing lab-scale and industrial atomizers. These experiments will be complemented by real-time monitoring and high-speed infrared imaging of the spray plume. You will also characterize the resulting powders using a variety of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser diffraction, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and rheometry. A central part of the project will be the systematic parametric analysis of process conditions, such as gas pressure and melt flow rate, to inform the design of optimized gas nozzles for atomization.

In addition to the direct project-related research, you will conduct some teaching-related activities, disseminate your research through publication of papers in high-ranking journals and attend conferences and internationalize through a research stay abroad.

We envision that you:

• Are open-minded, creative, and enjoy working collaboratively with researchers and laboratory staff.
• Have a background in materials science and/or manufacturing processes, with a solid understanding of the relationship between processing and material properties.
• Possess experience in designing, conducting, and analysing laboratory experiments.
• Have a working knowledge of heat transfer and fluid dynamics, enabling you to engage with process modelling and collaborate effectively with modelling experts.
• Are enthusiastic about exploring cutting-edge research, refining ideas, and testing them through practical implementation.
• Are familiar with (some of) the key materials characterization techniques mentioned above.

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.

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 1 February 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Niels Skat Tiedje (nsti@dtu.dk) or Senior Researcher Venkata Nadimpalli (vkna@dtu.dk). You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.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 1 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

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.