PhD scholarship in Scientific Machine Learning in Materials Physics - DTU Physics

Are you passionate about scientific machine learning, particularly physics-informed machine learning? If so, this position might be perfect for you. 

We are seeking a data scientist to apply machine learning techniques to a combination of experimental data and simulation results, aiming for faster and more accurate predictions.

About Us 
You will join an international and highly multidisciplinary team of approximately 10 PhDs and postdocs, fostering a strong collaboration between DTU Physics and DTU Construct. Our group is a global leader in the field of metals. We invented the synchrotron-based imaging technique Dark-Field X-ray Microscopy. Installed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France we utilize it to visualize the evolution of internal structures in metals during deformation - in order to understand how and why metals become strong and eventually break. We work with leading international groups on modeling and also conduct simulations at DTU. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop scientific machine learning methods in close collaboration with team members specializing in experimental techniques and materials science.
• Utilize unique experimental data on the evolution of internal metal structures obtained via Dark-Field X-ray Microscopy (a synchrotron-based imaging technique), combined with phase field modeling predictions of the structural evolution.

Qualifications:

• Background in data science
• Interest in physics-informed machine learning
• Strong written communication skills
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong team spirit

Experience with materials science or synchrotron techniques is beneficial but not required. 

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. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Prof. Henning Friis Poulsen, DTU Physics and Prof. Grethe Winther, DTU Construct. 

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. The preferred starting date is 1 May 2026. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Henning Friis Poulsen, DTU Physics and Professor Grethe Winther, DTU Construct.

You can read more about DTU Physics at www.physics.dtu.dk and DTU Construct 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 28 February 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

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.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collabo