PhD Position in University Student Learning via Digital Twins of ESS Instruments at DTU

About the opportunity

This PhD project is part of the ACCESS project (‘Augmenting the STEM Classroom by ESS Digital Twins’), a Novo Nordisk Foundation-funded initiative collaborating between DTU, the University of Copenhagen (KU), and the European Spallation Source (ESS). The goal is to investigate student learning, skill acquisition, and knowledge transfer when using digital twins of four ESS neutron instruments (ODIN, BIFROST, LOKI, and DREAM) compared to or in preparation for hands-on facility training. The PhD student will be employed at DTU, work with students and educators from both DTU and KU, and spend 3 to 6 months at an international university in Europe, the USA, or Australia for field studies and collaborative data analysis.

Salary and benefits

• 3-year full-time employment with salary and terms governed by the collective agreement for academics in the Danish state
• 3–6 month research stay at a leading international university (e.g., in Europe, USA, or Australia)
• Flexible working conditions in an international academic environment focused on high-quality STEM education research

Who can apply?

• Master's degree (MSc) in educational science, anthropology, educational anthropology, didactics, pedagogy, learning processes, or a related discipline (applicants may apply before graduation, but must obtain the degree before starting)
• Basic knowledge of teaching and learning, student motivation, and didactics (e.g., through experience as a teaching assistant or teacher at high school or university level)
• Interest in university teaching, particularly in STEM or natural sciences, and in high-quality educational development
• Ability to work independently and manage complex tasks
• Strong written and oral communication skills in both Danish and English
• Academic approval and formal enrollment into a PhD program at DTU

Required documents

• Cover letter (motivated application)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Grade transcripts and degree documentation (Bachelor's and Master's) including an official explanation of the grading scale
• Research vision statement (maximum 1 A4 page) outlining an approach to studying student learning through digital twins of ESS instruments

When to apply

• Application deadline: September 29, 2026, at 23:59 Danish time (21:59 UTC)
• Expected starting date: November 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter

How to apply

• Access the official recruitment portal via the 'Apply now' button on the job posting page
• Complete the required applicant information fields
• Combine all required documents into a single PDF file and upload it via the application portal
• Submit the online application prior to the deadline (applications submitted via email will not be considered)

Additional information

• The position is based at DTU Physics / DTU Energy located in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
• For further information, contact Associate Professor Pernille Rattleff via email at perat@dtu.dk (do not send application documents to this email)