Job Description

The Materials and Surface Engineering section in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) at the Technical University of Denmark are seeking candidates for 1 Researcher position in the field of “X-ray imaging and dislocation dynamics”. The researcher position is a permanent position.

We work with advanced X-ray imaging across several modalities, using both laboratory X-ray sources and synchrotron radiation. The position combines experimental method development, support for users, and independent research that exploits X-ray imaging data to advance our understanding of defect accumulation in plastically deformed metals through simulations.

You will be based in the Section for Materials and Surface Engineering in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering and will collaborate closely with other groups, in particular at DTU Physics. You will become part of two strong research environments and divide your time equally between them:

• Deformation and Failure in 4D, a Villum Foundation-funded research project that explores how microstructural evolution controls the mechanical properties of metals through a combination of synchrotron experiments, modelling and simulations. Over the past decade, we have developed a hard X-ray microscope at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), which for the first time makes it possible to visualize how atomic-scale defects - dislocations - self-organize into patterns during plastic deformation. Our ambition is to use this unique capability to develop a new generation of materials models based on first principles and to link dislocation patterning directly to the simultaneous strengthening of metals. You will contribute to data analysis and dislocation dynamics simulations.
• The 3D Imaging Centre, 3DIM, at DTU, a competence centre for X-ray and neutron imaging. You will help strengthen the department’s capabilities in X-ray imaging and serve as a key entry point for users at DTU Construct, supporting them in the planning and execution of experiments. You will also assist other research groups and contribute to the development of imaging methodologies and sample environments in 3DIM.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to the development and application of advanced X-ray imaging methods using both laboratory and synchrotron-based techniques.
• Support DTU researchers and external users in planning, conducting and analyzing X-ray imaging experiments.
• Develop workflows for quantitative analysis of 3D and 4D imaging data, including data from diffraction- and tomography-based methods.
• Carry out independent research on defect accumulation, dislocation structures and microstructural evolution in plastically deformed metals.
• Pursue simulation approaches, including dislocation dynamics and related modelling methods, to interpret experimental observations.
• Contribute to strengthening the research environment around 3DIM and the Deformation and Failure in 4D project through collaboration, supervision and dissemination.

As our ideal candidate, you have:

• Experience with discrete dislocation dynamics simulations.
• Experience with advanced X-ray imaging, diffraction or synchrotron-based characterization.
• Experience in building sample environments.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills.
• Motivation to combine simulations and experiments to understand deformation and failure in metals.
• Good communication skills and interest in engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations

You must contribute to the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

As formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

Starting date is 01/10/2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process here

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Grethe Winther ( grwi@dtu.dk) and Professor Henning Friis Poulsen ( hfpo@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

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 September 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• Vision for teaching and research for the tenure track period
• CV including employment history, list of publications, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

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.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.