Strategic PhD scholarship in Physics-Informed Artificial Intelligence for Thermal Energy Storage - DTU Construct

Jobbeskrivelse

Are you ready to launch your scientific career by addressing the urgent need of renewable energy integration? At DTU Construct you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible in the field of energy storage.

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position within the fields of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (Thermal Energy Section).

We seek a talented, self-motivated, and collaborative researcher to develop physics-informed AI methods and transform decision-making in the design and operation of next-generation thermal energy storage systems, including latent heat TES and thermochemical TES.

Supervision: Professor Adriano Sciacovelli, Thermal Energy Section, DTU Construct.

Your work will advance a paradigm shift in TES system design, modelling, and control by developing adaptive, physics-informed models integrating thermo-fluid dynamics, deep learning neural networks, and experimental data. A key objective is to overcome limitations of traditional thermo-fluid dynamic approaches in design discovery and TES performance evaluation.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The project involves conducting high-quality research at the intersection of thermo-fluids science, physics-based modelling and AI.

We envision that:

• You have an open mind and can think creatively in engineering, mathematical and programming contexts
• Your research will include extending and contributing to models and codes, including both high- and low-level programming languages, e.g. Python/Matlab to the development of physics-based models and machine learning frameworks
• You are eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve ideas, and test/validate by engagement with national and international collaborators
• You will have a solid background in thermo-fluids/thermodynamic modelling:
• Thermodynamic analysis and simulation of energy technologies/thermo-fluid processes
• Programming tools such as Python, Matlab, Modelica etc, or CFD codes (e.g.OpenFOAM)
• Energy conversion and storage systems
• It is also beneficial if you have previous exposure/experience in one more of the following areas:
• Optimization techniques (e.g. gradient-based, stochastic, evolutionary)
• Machine learning techniques (e.g. Pytorch)
• High-performance computing (HPC)

Furthermore, successful candidate has:

• Excellent use of the English language
• Good ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers
• willingness to work in a team-oriented environment

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.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Adriano Sciacovelli adrsc@dtu.dk.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 8 May 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 PhD project proposal (maximum 2 pages plus references) describing a possible research objective, theoretical framework and intended methodological approach and references.

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.