PhD scholarship in Statistical and AI-Driven Modelling for Microstructural Engineering of Additive Manufacturing - DTU Construct

Jobbeskrivelse

If you want to pursue a research career at the intersection of additive manufacturing (AM), microstructural engineering and advanced statistical/machine-learning (ML) based modelling, then this PhD position is for you. DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, the Section for Manufacturing Engineering invites applications for a PhD position (3 years) on the topic of statistical/AI-driven modelling for microstructural engineering of AM.

The project is part of a Villum Investigator grant titled “Microstructural engineering of additive manufactured metals - MicroAM” funded by the VILLUM FONDEN. The overall aim of the project is to introduce microstructural engineering to the field of additive manufacturing (AM) of metals. This is to set the stage for optimizing metals microstructures in-situ during the AM process as well as ex-situ during post-AM treatments and enable predictions of the microstructural evolution, and thus changes in properties, while AM components are in use.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The PhD position will look towards establishing correlations and causal pathways for microstructure evolution during AM (as well as post-AM treatments), based on a combination of in-situ monitoring data, ex-situ characterization data and failure data from aggressive loading of AM samples. The activities will span across exploratory data analysis, mathematical model building with statistical/AI-tools, analysis for uncertainty quantification and subsequent design of experiments for further data collection.

The PhD project will involve multi-modal datasets (e.g. microstructure images, XCT scans, time-series from sensors during AM and/or vector/scalar datasets like XRD), with an initial focus on identification and deployment of techniques for proper data fusion/transformation. The project will also delve into generation and integration of synthetic data, via deployment of numerical simulations with existing advanced calibrated multiphysics models, with real data acquired through experimentation. The overarching goal is to create and demonstrate a set of tools that can be used for microstructural engineering of AM samples of the selected materials (SS316L, AlSi10Mg and possibly 17-4 PH).

To achieve the goals, you will work in close collaboration with a group of experienced scientists, as well as Postdocs and PhDs all engaged in the Villum Investigator project MicroAM. As a key integration sub-project, you will thus be expected to regularly align with colleagues involved in experimental investigations and spearhead the formulation of the experimental campaigns that can support the creation of better models for microstructural engineering. Further, a 3–6-month foreign stay at an international research group will be part of the PhD project, where advanced skills deemed necessary for the implementation of the PhD project can be acquired.

Qualifications

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. Demonstrated competence in programming with Python and working on Linux based platform is essential for this position, as is a background in either Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Physics and/or similar disciplines. Further, we are especially looking for a doctoral candidate who meets a majority of the following requirements:

• A background and strong interest in working with metallic materials.
• Experience with engineering software tools (e.g. FEA tools like Abaqus, Ansys, FENICS; OR CFD tools like OpenFoam, Flow3D; or material modelling tools like ThermoCALC, JMatPro, Micress, LAMMPS, etc.) commonly used in the involved fields.
• Experience in working with HPC environments. Any prior experience with use of ROCm tools will be considered positively.
• Demonstrated exposure to statistical modelling and/or AI-driven modelling through courses, short-projects, thesis projects and/or job experience.

We envision that:

• You have deep enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team and strive for scientific excellence.
• You are interested in combining your physics-based understanding with data-driven analysis of experimental observations (or vice versa).
• You have an open mind and can think creatively in a computational and/or programming context.
• You have good communication abilities, social skills, and independent attitude paired with the ability to teamwork.
• You are fluent in English (oral and written).
• You are willing to participate with colleagues in relevant experimental investigations.

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 candidate will be made by a joint panel consisting of Professor Dorte Juul Jensen, Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty and Senior Researcher Tianbo Yu. Successful candidates can expect at least two rounds of interviews before a selection is made.

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. Desired start date for employment is 1 August 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 April 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 1-page description of each project you have worked on that you deem relevant to the PhD position. Please be brief, and mention clearly the objectives, the main achievements and the insights.

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.