18 Fully Funded PhD Vacancies at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university globally recognized for its excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. DTU offers a rewarding and challenging work environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

General Information

General Benefits

Work in an international, collaborative, and innovative research environment.
Competitive salary based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with allowances agreed upon with the relevant union. Learn more
Contribute to solving global challenges aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

General Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file via the provided “Apply Now” link for each position. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered. DTU works with critical technologies subject to security and export control, so open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates.

All interested candidates, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. Applicants may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before receiving it.

Approval and Enrolment

Scholarships are subject to academic approval, and candidates will be enrolled in one of DTU’s general degree programs. For details, see DTU’s rules for PhD education.

Additional Information

For information on working in Denmark and at DTU, visit DTU – Moving to Denmark.
DTU offers a monthly free seminar, “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar,” for practical guidance on moving to Denmark.

All Available Positions (Please click on specific project to view details)

PhD Scholarship in Organic Chemistry and Enantioselective Homogeneous Catalysis – DTU Chemistry

Join a 3-year fully funded PhD position at DTU Chemistry under Associate Professor Søren Kramer. The research focuses on developing novel methods in organic chemistry, transition-metal catalysis, photocatalysis, enantioselective catalysis, and C-H functionalization. You’ll work in a dynamic, ambitious research group at the forefront of organic chemistry.

Responsibilities

Synthesize starting materials and reagents.
Develop and optimize novel organic reactions.
Investigate substrate scope and characterize products.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in chemistry or chemical engineering.
Strong background in experimental organic chemistry.
Experience in method development or homogeneous catalysis is a plus.
Excellent communication skills in English.
Highly motivated, ambitious, and able to work independently.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).
Two recommendation letters or contact details of two academic references.
List of publications and presentations (if applicable).

Deadline

July 6, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

Interested in More PhD Positions? Follow links below

PhD Scholarship in Machine Learning for Scenario Discovery in Complex Urban Mobility Systems – DTU Management

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark (Year 3); Ispra, Italy (Years 1–2)

Description

This 3-year PhD position, starting no later than November 1, 2025, under DTU Management’s Transport Division and the EU’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). Spend the first two years at JRC in Ispra, Italy, and the final year at DTU’s Intelligent Transport Systems Section in Denmark. The project focuses on developing machine learning algorithms for urban mobility simulators, exploring diverse scenarios for urban planning, and evaluating accessibility and environmental impacts.

Responsibilities

Study machine learning and robust decision-making literature.
Work with the SimMobility simulation tool and develop extensions.
Implement and test new methodologies.
Create datasets for training and validation.
Present at international conferences and support teaching.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Computer Science, Informatics Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Computational Urban Science, or Transport Modeling.
Strong programming skills in Python, Julia, R, or similar; familiarity with C, C#, or C++.
Interest in urban challenges and decision-making under uncertainty.
Ability to translate models to mathematical formulations and test via simulations.
Excellent English communication and teamwork skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 31, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Machine Learning using Tensor Networks – DTU Compute

Description

3-year PhD position at DTU Compute starting October 1, 2025, to develop novel machine learning methodologies using tensor networks. This project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, focuses on scalability, reliability, and explainability in machine learning, addressing challenges in quantum physics and life-science data modeling. You’ll collaborate with experts at DTU and the University of Copenhagen.

Responsibilities

Develop tensor network-based machine learning methodologies.
Address scalability, uncertainty quantification, and structure identification.
Apply methods to quantum physics and life-science data modeling.
Participate in PhD courses, teaching, and student supervision.
Potential for an external research stay.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Strong background in machine learning and mathematics.
Extensive experience programming machine learning models (e.g., Python).
Interest in interdisciplinary work (machine learning, physics, life sciences).
Fluent in English with excellent communication skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

August 1, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Healthcare Operations – Process Management in Cancer Treatment – DTU Management

Description

This PhD position will be starting in October 2025 at DTU Management’s Operations & Supply Chain Management Section, part of the EU Horizon-funded EASYGEN project. The research focuses on optimizing cancer patient pathways for CAR-T cell therapy in hospitals, using operations research, management science, data science, and analytics to improve layout design, staffing, and logistics.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on healthcare process optimization.
Collaborate with academics and healthcare professionals.
Publish in international journals.
Engage with EASYGEN project partners and Danish regions.
Present at conferences and assist in teaching.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Strong knowledge of operations management, management science, analytics, or data science.
Programming experience (e.g., Python, Java, Julia).
Knowledge of healthcare operations management is a plus.
Basic understanding of Danish is advantageous.
Fluent in English.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).
Short video (1-2 minutes introducing yourself).

Deadline

July 1, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Trustworthy Smart Grids: Balancing Privacy, Flexibility, and Sustainability – DTU Wind

Description

This fully funded PhD position at DTU Wind and Energy Systems will be starting in 2025, part of the “DTU Alliance” project with Cornell University. The research focuses on developing scalable, privacy-preserving models to optimize distributed energy resources (DERs), electrified loads, and data-center flexibility for sustainable smart grids. Includes a 5–9 month research stay at Cornell.

Responsibilities

Develop privacy-preserving coordination models for smart grids.
Optimize DER integration, cost fairness, and grid stability.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and industry partners.
Publish in scientific journals and present at conferences.
Participate in teaching and student supervision.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Knowledge of computer science, operations research, or renewable energy systems.
Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, Julia).
Strong problem-solving and English communication skills.
Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Requirements

Cover letter detailing your qualifications and motivation.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).
List of at least two references.

Deadline

July 13, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Bioconversion of Carbon Dioxide – DTU Chemical Engineering

Description

This PhD position will be starting on January 1, 2026, at DTU Chemical Engineering, part of a HORIZON CBE JU-funded European project. The research focuses on optimizing biological conversion of carbon dioxide to acetic acid, collaborating with top academic and industrial partners in Europe to develop innovative bioprocesses.

Responsibilities

Set up gas fermentation systems.
Cultivate and enrich microbial consortia on carbon dioxide.
Investigate electron flow to metabolic products.
Test new bioreactor configurations.
Model carbon dioxide fermentation processes.
Assist in teaching and co-supervise student projects.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Experience with microbial cultures under anaerobic conditions.
Knowledge of operating bioreactors (batch/continuous, suspended/biofilm).
Experience in gas fermentation or modeling biological processes.
Familiarity with tools like Matlab, Aquasim, or Superpro Designer.
Collaborative mindset and availability to start January 2026.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

August 30, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here

PhD Scholarship in Intelligent Design and Production of Next Generation Sustainable Fuels – DTU Chemical Engineering

Description

Join a 3-year PhD position starting October 1, 2025, at DTU Chemical Engineering, part of the Horizon Europe SEAFAIRER project. The research focuses on developing AI-assisted methods to optimize advanced biofuel production and blending for marine applications, integrating experimental data with machine learning and process modeling.

Responsibilities

Develop AI/ML models for biofuel blend optimization.
Conduct experiments on biofuel and fossil fuel blends.
Analyze fuel characteristics, combustion, and emissions data.
Collaborate with researchers and industry partners.
Publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
Prepare technical reports and project deliverables.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in chemical engineering, process systems engineering, data science, or related fields.
Familiarity with biofuel production or fuel chemistry is a plus.
Experience or interest in machine learning, AI, or statistical modeling.
Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Also Read: 19 Fully Funded PhD Opportunities at University of Antwerp

Deadline

July 4, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Modelling Molten Salt Based Thermal Energy Storage Systems – DTU Energy

Description

The research focuses on simulating and optimizing molten salt-based thermal energy storage systems to deliver industrial heat (120-450°C), supporting decarbonization through renewable energy integration.

Responsibilities

Research market costs of system components (molten salt, electric heater, steam generator).
Develop cost functions for CAPEX and OPEX.
Simulate system performance and optimize thermal storage capacity, heat power, and steam generator size.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
Spend at least 3 months at a foreign research institution.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in thermal, chemical, energy engineering, material science, or similar.
Experience in thermal energy storage or system modeling.
Proficiency in MATLAB (Simulink) or Aspen programming.
Strong communication skills in English and ability to work independently and in teams.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 1, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Atomic-Scale Characterization of Nanoporous Materials for Environmental Applications – DTU Nanolab

Description

3-year PhD position starting December 1, 2025, at DTU Nanolab, part of a joint Alliance Research Project with the Technical University of Munich. The research focuses on using advanced electron microscopy to study nanoporous materials for water purification, targeting contaminants like PFAS, and developing next-generation materials for environmental applications.

Responsibilities

Investigate molecular adsorption processes using advanced electron microscopy (e.g., HR-TEM, HR-STEM).
Develop high-resolution microscopy protocols for interfacial phenomena.
Correlate nanoscale structures with adsorption performance.
Curate datasets for AI-assisted materials optimization.
Collaborate with TUM and contribute to publications.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Interest in materials science, reticular chemistry, or environmental engineering.
Enthusiasm for advanced electron microscopy techniques.
Curiosity about ML/AI applications in materials research.
Collaborative mindset and strong English communication skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Letter of motivation (statement of purpose).
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

August 15, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here

PhD Scholarship in Water Supply – DTU Sustain

Description

Join this 3-year PhD position starting September 1, 2025, at DTU Sustain to advance research in monitoring technologies for ensuring clean and wholesome drinking water. The project focuses on developing and evaluating new monitoring strategies and technologies, such as for pesticides and UV-disinfection, to protect water quality.

Responsibilities

Research monitoring strategies and technologies for drinking water.
Develop and evaluate technologies for detecting pesticides and metabolites.
Assess water protection methods like UV-disinfection.
Co-supervise BSc/MSc student projects and assist in teaching.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in water supply or environmental engineering.
Strong interest in water quality monitoring.
Collaborative mindset and good English communication skills.

Must Read: Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 2, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Coastal Engineering (Wave-Vegetation Interaction) – DTU Construct

Description

This position will be starting on September 1, 2025, at DTU Construct, part of the “Marine advection and dissipation in the vegetated coastal environment” project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The research focuses on developing a flexible vegetation model in OpenFOAM to study wave-vegetation interactions, supporting coastal restoration efforts like seagrass survival.

Responsibilities

Develop and validate a one-way coupling model for wave-induced vegetation deflection.
Extend to a two-way coupling model for wave-vegetation interactions.
Simulate interactions under regular and irregular wave conditions.
Develop a correction model for energy dissipation by flexible vegetation.
Research wave-induced forces and vegetation failure modes.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in civil or mechanical engineering.
Background or interest in hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, or fluid-structure interaction.
Willingness to learn programming (e.g., C++, Python, MATLAB) and OpenFOAM.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Good English communication skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 21, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Automated Machine Polishing of Complex Mould Geometries – DTU Construct

Description

This PhD position is funded by the MADE React project, to develop automated machine polishing for complex mould geometries, focusing on injection moulding moulds. The research aims to optimize polishing processes using compliant tools, sensing solutions, and machine learning for enhanced repeatability and efficiency.

Responsibilities

Develop data-driven polishing process optimization using machine learning.
Implement sensing solutions for process, tool, and surface monitoring.
Create physics-based models for material removal prediction.
Validate methods in industrial production settings.
Publish research in journals and present at conferences.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in mechanical, production, materials, industrial, robotics engineering, or computer science.
Strong knowledge of production engineering and manufacturing systems.
Experience in process monitoring, metrology, or programming (e.g., MATLAB).
Analytical skills and fluency in English.

Check Also: 11 Fully-Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at NTNU

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 16, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Automation of Tool Wear Measurement and Data Driven RUL Estimation for Sustainable Machining Operations – DTU Construct

Description

This PhD position is funded by the MADE React project, to develop an integrated system for automated tool wear monitoring and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimation in high-precision machining. The research combines optical measurement systems, real-time data from machine numerical control, and machine learning for sustainable tool lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

Develop direct (optical) and indirect (real-time data) tool wear monitoring systems.
Implement sensing systems and algorithms for automated signal processing and feature extraction.
Create physics-enhanced, data-driven models for RUL prediction of milling tools.
Validate the approach in industrial production settings.
Publish research in journals and present at conferences.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in mechanical, production, materials, industrial, robotics engineering, or computer science.
Strong knowledge of production engineering and subtractive manufacturing.
Experience in process monitoring, metrology, or programming (e.g., MATLAB).
Analytical skills and fluency in English.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 16, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Radioanalytical Chemistry – DTU Sustain

Description

This PhD position will start on October 1, 2025, at DTU Sustain’s Radioecology and Tracer Studies group to develop radiochemical analysis methods for difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn) in environmental and radioactive waste samples. The research supports environmental risk assessment and cleaner energy transitions.

Responsibilities

Develop radiochemical separation procedures for radionuclides.
Optimize radiometric methods (e.g., TDCR-LSC) and mass spectrometry (e.g., ICP-MS).
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Publish research and present at conferences.
Support teaching and student supervision.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in chemistry or environmental science.
Background in radioanalytical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, or analytical chemistry.
Experience with radionuclide measurement techniques (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma, LSC, ICP-MS) is a plus.
Hands-on laboratory skills and collaborative mindset.
Fluent in English.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).
Research proposal for analyzing difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc).

Deadline

August 3, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Development and Implementation of an Autonomous Decision Support System for Optimized Maintenance in Wind Turbine Infrastructure – DTU Wind

Description

This PhD position is a part of the IntelliWind Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, in collaboration with Vestas. The research focuses on developing an autonomous decision support system for optimized wind turbine maintenance, using data analytics and machine learning to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Responsibilities

Design a modular decision support system for wind turbine operations and maintenance.
Identify key signals and performance indicators for asset health.
Evaluate sensor technologies and data sources.
Develop algorithms for automated data analysis and condition assessment.
Collaborate with Vestas and University of Granada during secondments.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in engineering, applied mathematics, or computer science.
Experience or interest in Python programming, data analytics, and machine learning.
Knowledge of wind energy systems is a plus.
Collaborative mindset and strong English communication skills.
Meet MSCA mobility rule: not resided in Denmark for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 15, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarships in Theory, Fabrication, and Characterization of Quantum Photonics with Ultra-Small Silicon Nanocavities and Ultra-Low-Power Nanoelectromechanical Photonics – DTU Electro

Description

This PhD position is a part of the EQUAL project funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark. The research focuses on developing quantum light sources with erbium-based quantum memories in silicon nanocavities, targeting scalable quantum photonic networks. Three positions are available in nanofabrication, theory, and spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

Develop nanoelectromechanically tunable cavities or photonic meshes, or perform spectroscopy on quantum light sources.
Work in DTU Nanolab’s cleanroom (for fabrication-focused role).
Collaborate with Danish and international partners.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Interest in quantum photonics, nanofabrication, or photonic theory.
Experience in nanofabrication, quantum optics, or photonic information processing is a plus.
Strong teamwork and English communication skills.

Application Requirements

Cover letter specifying the project (tunable cavities, photonic meshes, or spectroscopy).
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

July 9, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Intelligent Motion Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles – DTU Electro

Description

This PhD position focus on the development of advanced motion planning and control algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The research aims to enhance AUV operations in marine environments, contributing to maritime infrastructure safety through innovative robotics and AI solutions.

Responsibilities

Develop and test algorithms for AUV motion planning, guidance, navigation, and control.
Contribute to designing and testing a novel AUV concept.
Conduct experimental work in real marine environments.
Publish in ISI journals and present at international conferences.
Co-supervise BSc/MSc projects and assist in teaching.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field.
Strong skills in control theory, state estimation, and motion planning.
Experience with robotic systems and proficiency in ROS/ROS2, Python, or C++/C#.
Knowledge of acoustic sensing, hydrodynamics, or machine learning is a plus.
Fluent in English and eligible to use ITAR-restricted equipment (citizens of Denmark, Norway, NATO countries, Australia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, or Ukraine).

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Links to webpages, GitHub, or YouTube showcasing robotics work.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).
List of publications (if any).

Deadline

July 16, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here (Deadline Passed)

PhD Scholarship in Development of Advanced Testing Methods for Solid Oxide Cells Degradation Diagnosis – DTU Energy

Description

This PhD position will start in 2025 at DTU Energy to develop advanced testing methods for diagnosing degradation in solid oxide cells (SOCs). The research focuses on electrochemical characterization to enhance the lifetime and efficiency of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for sustainable hydrogen production.

Responsibilities

Develop and upgrade SOC test setups for advanced electrochemical characterization.
Create circuitry and software for state-of-health monitoring.
Test SOCs under various operating conditions and analyze degradation mechanisms.
Perform microstructural characterization post-testing.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
Spend at least 3 months at a foreign research institution.

Qualifications

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in materials science, solid state chemistry, electronic engineering, or similar.
Experience in fuel cells, electrolysis, electrochemistry, or materials characterization is a plus.
Strong analytical skills and fluency in English.
Ability to work independently and in cross-disciplinary teams.

Application Requirements

Cover letter.
Curriculum vitae.
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English).

Deadline

August 15, 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply Now

Apply here

Source: Official DTU website