PhD scholarship in cohesive zone modelling of crack growth in composites

Are you dreaming about a career as a researcher in composite materials? Then the new PhD position at DTU might be what you are looking for. We work on crack growth in composites materials at a high international level and offer you the possibility for establishing you as an up-coming scientist in this field and make important contributions to science by being part of an exciting work environment that has the focus on scientific excellence.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position will cover both finite element modelling and experimental work in the laboratory, with emphasis on the transition from stable to unstable crack growth in damage tolerant materials (e.g., tough nature materials like wood and composite materials) that experience rising fracture resistance due to a large-scale fracture process zone. The area of research is fracture mechanics. The position will focus on development of new general cohesive zone model and design (via finite element modelling) development of new medium-size test specimens that will show stable and unstable crack growth. A central theme is the close connection between modelling and experiments.

You are expected to work on the following topics:

• Development and implementation of mixed mode traction-separation laws (from experimental data) into cohesive zone models in finite element software (e.g., ABAQUS)
• Fracture mechanics testing of medium-size specimens in the laboratory
• Compare prediction from the cohesive zone model with experimental data from crack growth in medium-size specimens
• Microscale investigation of damage using acoustic emission (AE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray tomography
• Co-supervise BSc and MSc student projects in the area

You must document experience (e.g., courses) in:

• Theoretical background in solid mechanics
• Proficiency in FEM modelling
• Theoretical background in composite materials based on long fibres

Preference will be given to applicants that can document:

• Knowledge in the field of fracture mechanics (modelling and experimental)
• Experience in scientific programming
• Experience in mechanical testing, in particularly testing of fibre composites
• Experience in X-ray tomography, SEM, and/or AE

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to collaborate effectively with others, to synthesise and present complex information clearly, and to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing.

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 committee will consist of professor Bent F. Sørensen (Head of Section, Mechanics of Damage), Dr. Ruben Erives (Post Doc) and Dr. Ignacio Marti (Head of Division, Wind Energy Materials and Components), from the Department of Wind and Energy Systems.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected starting date is 1st January 2027. The workplace for the position will be the Risø Campus, Roskilde.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Bent F. Sørensen (bsqr@dtu.dk), Ruben Erives (riea@dtu.dk) and Ignacio Marti (imarti@dtu.dk) You can read more about DTU Wind and Energy Systems 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. 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 than4 October 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.

The Department of Wind and Energy Systems
The department is one of the world’s largest centers for wind energy and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting, and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department's cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programmes that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions, and organizations, as well as the wind industry.

The Wind Energy Materials and Components Division consists of about 80 people and has modern laboratories for manufacturing and mechanical testing of composite materials. Research is conducted in research projects usually with external national or international collaboration. The research focusses on composites materials consisting of long, aligned fibres in a polymer matrix for use in wind turbine blades.

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.