Postdoc in Sustainable Vibro Acoustic Composites - DTU Construct

Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering – Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a 2-year postdoc position in sustainable polymer composites, vibro-acoustics, and digital material design, as part of the international HIPSOFIC project (High Performance and Soundproofing of Natural Fibre Composites).

This is a unique opportunity to work at the multidisciplinary areas of bio-based composites, fibre reinforced thermoplastics, acoustic engineering, machine learning, and injection moulding process optimisation together with world leading research institute - LIST (Luxembourg) and Europe’s largest producer of washing machines - BSH (Turkey).

About the project
HIPSOFIC will develop next generation recyclable bio-reinforced polypropylene composites with enhanced vibration damping and acoustic performance, aiming to replace conventional glass fibre materials in washing machine tubs and other noise sensitive components. Your work will help engineer low noise, circular, bio-based materials supported by:

• Finite Element and vibro acoustic modelling
• Machine learning assisted optimisation
• Advanced microstructural and acoustic characterisation
• Injection moulding process studies

You will collaborate intensively with DTU, LIST, and BSH engineers and researchers and contribute to experimental work, process simulation and prototyping. Furthermore, your will lead the project deliverables in Work Package 2, make scientific publications and actively participate in dissemination activities.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As the central researcher in Work Package 2, you will:

• Design, manufacture, and characterize novel composites
• Perform vibro-acoustic testing and DMA-based damping analysis
• Develop FEM/BEM and machine-learning models to optimize acoustic performances
• Translate lab results into industrial injection-moulded demonstrators
• Lead DTU deliverables, publish research and co-supervise MSc/BSc students

We expect you to have:

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Acoustics, Computational Mechanics, or related field
• Hands-on experience with polymer composites, fibre-reinforced plastics, and processing 
• Expertise in experimental (mechanical, microscopy, DMA) and vibro-acoustic testing 
• Proficiency in COMSOL/ABAQUS/ANSYS, and or Moldflow 
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary, international teams 
• Strong publication record (≥4 first-author ISI-indexed papers)

Desirable (but not mandatory): Knowledge of machine learning, DoE, or multi-parameter optimisation; experience with natural fibres, bio-based composites, or injection moulding; strong interest in sustainability and circular materials.

You will have:

• Access to state-of-the-art acoustic and materials testing facilities 
• Close collaboration with LIST researchers and BSH engineers 
• Funding to attend leading international conferences 
• The opportunity to shape next-generation sustainable composites with real industrial impact

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 starting from October/November 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Aminul Islam, Head of Studies for DTU Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, mais@dtu.dk, +45 4525 4896.

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 10 June 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 
• Contact information for 2–3 references (name and email)
• Any other relevant documents

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 utilises science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the 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 technical services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering systems design, design for sustainability, and thermal energy.

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.