Postdoc in High‑fidelity Modelling and Experimental–numerical Correlation - DTU Wind

Do you have a passion for structural modelling and experiments, and do you want to create solutions for the world's green transition? You will be part of a research group which takes a holistic approach to wind turbine blades, integrating all aspects that contribute to their structural integrity, performance, and sustainability. 

DTU Wind & Energy Systems invites applications with a talent and passion for structural analysis and digitalization for a position as postdoc at the section for Blade Testing and Design working with world leading university labs for testing and manufacturing wind turbine blades. Our section and labs have been evaluated to be of high international quality and recognized to be part of a truly unique world leading research centre. Besides doing advanced structural testing and measurements, we are also making the facilities internationally recognized as development and demonstration labs for Digital Twins and related digitalization technologies. Our projects have won prizes such as the JEC Composites Innovation Award 2024 in the Digital, AI & Data category. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
We seek a Postdoc who can contribute to research and development on advanced and detailed modelling and analysis of large composite wind turbine blades, with particular emphasis on damage mechanics, high‑fidelity simulations, and detailed response analysis. One of our main projects are ReliaBlade-2 with more info at https://reliablade.dtu.dk/. You will join a cross-disciplinary, international team collaborating on supporting the R&D needs for key industry players in the wind energy industry. The areas of responsibility include:

• Develop and apply high‑fidelity finite‑element and multi‑scale models of large composite wind turbine blades to resolve detailed structural behaviour and failure mechanisms.
• Advance state‑of‑the‑art damage mechanics modelling, including damage initiation, progression, delamination, and interface failure, and link local damage evolution to global structural response.
• Perform deep numerical–experimental correlation, integrating strain, displacement, and damage measurements with simulation results to validate models and support damage detection and localisation studies.
• Provide reference solutions, benchmarks, and uncertainty‑aware validation to underpin reduced‑order models, digital‑twin developments, and reliability and lifetime assessment frameworks.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Furthermore, good English communication skills are essential. Applicants should be highly motivated, ambitious, and eager to seek and share knowledge. You should also be willing and able to work independently towards research goals and through interdisciplinary collaboration with industrial partners and across the different sections in the DTU Wind & Energy Systems department.

Our research team works in several fields, and we expect you to have a background and qualifications in at least a few of the following areas: 

• Strong expertise in high‑fidelity numerical modelling of composite structures, including detailed FE and multi‑scale models.
• Advanced competence in damage mechanics for composites including scripting and/or coding.
• Experience with structural testing of large composite components or structures.
• Experience developing advanced post‑processing workflows for simulation and test data, including comparison of local and global response quantities.
• Proven skills in correlating experimental data (strain, displacement, damage) with numerical predictions for model assessment.
• Understanding of damage detection and localisation methods, including model‑based benchmarking of indicators.
• Experience with model verification, validation, and uncertainty assessment for structural simulations.
• Knowledge of composite blade manufacturing (lay‑up, infusion, curing) and related simulation workflows.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience producing scientific publications, technical reports, and industry‑oriented documentation.

In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will also be given to:

• Innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas.
• Ability to contribute to the development of the department’s internal and external cooperation.

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 2 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Head of Section Kim Branner, kibr@dtu.dk 

You can read more about DTU Wind at https://wind.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 3 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:

• 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 – 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.