Are you excited about pioneering the next generation of additive manufacturing technologies for both space and Earth applications? 

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to develop a 3D printing system for melting and extruding lunar regolith, while also advancing the field of composite 3D printing through experimental testing and process development. This position bridges hands-on experimentation with advanced digital fabrication, numerical modelling, material testing, and process optimization. You will work on the fabrication and mechanical characterization of composite specimens with tailored fiber orientations, gaining insights into how printing strategies can fine-tune thermo-mechanical properties. At the same time, you will help bring the molten regolith extrusion 3D printing system from concept to operation, advancing our vision of autonomous, in-situ resource–based construction for the Moon and beyond.

We invite you to join our section Digital Building Technologies at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering as a PhD student, where you will collaborate with a team of experts dedicated to advancing the digital transformation of the built environment. Our research focuses on developing and applying digital technologies such as additive manufacturing/3D printing, numerical modelling, artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, digital twins, and smart materials.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The first objective of the project is to advance the field of continuous fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing through the development, testing, and optimization of composite 3D printing processes. This includes working on the design and experimental validation of printed specimens with controlled fiber orientations, mechanical testing to assess anisotropic behavior, and correlating experimental results with process parameters and digital models.

The second objective of the project is to develop a 3D printing system capable of melting and extruding molten regolith in a controlled manner. The system will serve as a platform for exploring autonomous, in-situ construction processes for future lunar applications. This involves designing and integrating the extrusion hardware, thermal control systems, and motion platform, followed by experimental testing under relevant environmental and process conditions.

We envision that:

• You have an open and creative mindset and can think across disciplines combining materials science, mechanics, and digital fabrication.
• You have a solid background in additive manufacturing, composite materials, or robotic fabrication.
• You are eager to explore the newest developments in 3D printing and test innovative ideas through hands-on experimentation.
• You have experience with digital design and control tools such as MATLAB, Python, or ROS, and possibly with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, KUKA, or UR).
• You have practical experience with machine development, material testing, mechanical characterization, or process parameter optimization.

Furthermore, it is an additional advantage if you have:

• Knowledge of fiber-reinforced polymers and their mechanical or thermal behaviour.
• Experience with large-scale or continuous 3D printing systems.
• Interest in space-related applications such as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) or construction in reduced-gravity environments.
• Experience with simulation tools for thermal, mechanical, or flow processes (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or OpenFOAM).

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 . 

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Berin Seta (berse@dtu.dk ) and Professor Jon Spangenberg (josp@dtu.dk ).

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 . 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 than 22 December 2025 (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)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic diplomas

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.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and 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 installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.