Postdoc in 4D Printing of Smart Sustainable Fibre-Reinforced Materials - DTU Construct

Are you excited about pushing the boundaries of 4D printing in short-fiber reinforced systems? 

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to advance the next generation of adaptive, functionally tailored composite structures through predominant experimental research. In this role, you will develop and leverage sub voxel control of fiber orientation to program material behavior directly during the printing process. By combining advanced process development with topology optimization, you will tailor mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and other multifunctional properties within a single printed component.

We invite you to join our section Digital Building Technologies at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering as a Postdoc, where you will collaborate with a team of experts dedicated to advancing the digital transformation of the built environment. Our research focuses on developing and applying digital technologies such as additive manufacturing/3D printing, numerical modelling, artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, digital twins, and smart materials.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your work will focus on large-scale processing of thermosetting polymers in our in-house developed robotic 3D printing cell for two-component thermoset composites. You will design, manufacture, and characterize specimens with spatially controlled anisotropy, translating microstructural control into predictable macroscopic performance. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to experimentally realize programmable composite materials, bridging digital fabrication, materials science, and structural optimization to unlock new capabilities in large-scale additive manufacturing.

We envision that: 

• You have an open and creative mindset and can think across disciplines combining materials science, mechanics, and digital fabrication. 
• You have a solid background in additive manufacturing, composite materials, or robotic fabrication. 
• You are eager to explore the newest developments in 3D printing and test innovative ideas through hands-on experimentation. 
• You have experience with digital design and control tools such as MATLAB and RobotStudio, and possibly with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, KUKA, or UR). 
• You have practical experience with material testing, mechanical characterization, or process parameter optimization.

Furthermore, it is an additional advantage if you have: 

• Knowledge of fiber-reinforced polymers and their mechanical or thermal behavior.
• Previous experience in large-area additive manufacturing and thermosetting composites
• Experience with simulation tools for thermal, mechanical, or flow processes (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or OpenFOAM).

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

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 terms of employment 
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 1 year.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Jon Spangenberg (josp@dtu.dk) and Berin Seta (berse@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 9 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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 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.