About the opportunity
The Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to join an international, multidisciplinary team of approximately 8 PhDs and postdocs. This role involves investigating how dislocation cells and boundaries form and evolve in bulk aluminium to understand the mechanisms of dislocation patterning and their relationship to the mechanical behavior of metals. The successful candidate will combine in situ synchrotron experiments with the development of methods for quantitative three-dimensional microstructure analysis. The work will involve comparing experimental observations with theoretical and computational models to contribute to a fundamental understanding of plasticity. The position is a two-year, full-time appointment.
Salary and benefits
- Two-year full-time employment contract
- Salary based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Negotiable salary supplements in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff
- Opportunity to work in an international, multidisciplinary research environment
- Access to advanced synchrotron-based imaging techniques
Who can apply?
- Must hold a PhD degree or equivalent
- Strong understanding of dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM)
- Experience with diffraction-based characterisation methods such as 3DXRD or DCT
- Experience planning and conducting synchrotron experiments and writing beamtime proposals
- Knowledge of dislocation structures and their evolution in metals
- Proficiency in Python for scientific computing on large datasets
- Experience developing methods for quantitative characterisation of 3D microstructures
- Strong scientific writing skills demonstrated by publications
Required documents
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic diplomas (MSc and PhD in English)
- List of publications
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-05 (23:59 Danish time)
- Desired starting date: 2027-02-01 or as agreed
How to apply
- Prepare all application materials as a single PDF file in English
- Access the official job portal via the 'Apply now' link
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the single PDF file containing all required documents
Additional information
- The position is subject to security and export control rules due to the nature of the research
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates
- The assessment committee consists of Prof. Henning Friis Poulsen and Prof. Grethe Winther
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers with a strong background in synchrotron-based diffraction techniques like DFXM, 3DXRD, or DCT.
- Physicists with proven experience in Python-based data processing for large-scale scientific datasets.
- Candidates with a track record of academic publication in metal plasticity or related materials science fields.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a fixed-term, two-year contract, which may require planning for subsequent career steps.
- Applicants should be prepared for the administrative and technical requirements of synchrotron beamtime proposals.
- Relocation to Denmark is likely required, though DTU provides resources for international staff.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This postdoctoral position is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to deepen their expertise in advanced X-ray microscopy and metal plasticity within a world-leading technical university. It offers a clear, two-year window to produce high-impact research, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and build a strong publication record, which is ideal for those aiming for future academic or high-level industrial research roles.
Our take
This role is highly suitable for experimental physicists with a PhD and specific experience in synchrotron diffraction and Python-based data analysis. Candidates who are comfortable working in an international, collaborative environment and who have a strong interest in the fundamental mechanisms of metal plasticity should apply before the November 5, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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