The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites one excellent candidate to join our team of PhD students in the following research projects:

AM2PM - Additive to Predictive Construction using Learning by Printing and Networked Robots
You will have an exciting opportunity to work in AM2PM, an EU-funded project, on the future paradigm for the construction of multistorey buildings in which a comprehensive system-of-systems approach. AM2PM intertwines (a) networked multi-agent human-robotic systems that work collaboratively in a well-coordinated and safe manner, (b) computational design and digital manufacturing of components, (c) design of sustainable materials, (d) Artificial Intelligence (AI) models to predict and control the construction process, (e) a digital twin / information backbone that enables cohesive operation of the design and production system as a whole, and (f)  experimental validation. The role of the PhD position is theoretical and experimental research that links construction site data collection with life cycle and sustainability analysis (LCA).

SmartSite - Self-monitoring, Alert, and Response Technology for collaborative construction site processes
The SmartSite project intends to prove that innovative technology offers more sustainable and less disruptive construction processes. The PhD student will also assist in the SmartSite project in creating project results that are expected to contribute to the following measurable outcomes by using rule-checking/reasoning in digital construction site design and planning, smart sensing to monitor and control construction progress, and active personalize learning: (a) Reduction in overall time spent on site for value-adding construction production, (b) increase in resource efficiency, as well as improved accuracy of on-site activities, (c) reduction in pollution caused by on-site construction worksite tasks, and (d) increase in work-related safety and health performance of heavy equipment or robotic operations compared to current best practices the general construction sector performs.

Responsibilities and tasks
The overall objective of this position is to contribute to the research fields on digitalisation, automation, and robotics in construction, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of an open and interoperable ontology for lean and safe construction site processes, smart sensing and intelligent data analysis of construction site progress, and digital fabrication supported by automation and robotics.

You will work closely with academic colleagues at DTU and collaborate with industrial partners and standardisation organisations in Denmark and internationally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing extensions to existing international data ontologies and reasoning that can serve as a backbone for designing safe and lean and capturing progress in the execution of construction site layouts incl. future human-robotic collaborative work environments.
• Automating smart data collection from construction site progress monitoring including resource and energy consumption.
• Optimizing lean and safe construction site operations in current and futuristic work environments. 
• Developing small-scale demonstrators in our Construction Learning Factory (CLF) and real-world deployments that showcase the functionality of the platform based on interoperable and open standards.
• Contributing to research dissemination through scientific publications, conferences, and interaction with industry and standardisation bodies.
• Supporting research-based teaching activities and co-supervision of MSc students, as relevant.

Qualifications
Strong experience and competencies expected include at least one of the following areas: 

• Data modelling, ontology development, and semantic technologies.
• Open data standards and linked data, e.g. buildingSMART and related frameworks.
• IoT/sensing devices tracking construction site resources.
• Data integration and digital construction workflows, incl. digital twins, information backbones, digital building logbooks.
• Software or code development, incl. artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Automation and robotics, incl. digital fabrication, robotics (e.g., UR and/or mobile rovers) additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing with concrete or PLA), safe human-machine interaction.
• Serious gaming for active personalized learning environments, incl. AR/VR.
• Life cycle analysis (LCA).

The applicant should list their respective skill level and/or previous experience to each of these areas in the cover letter.

Furthermore, the PhD student is expected to demonstrate ability to work effectively as a team player in interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research environments, while also working independently.

The positions require a proactive approach, strong collaboration skills, and a high level of responsibility for own research activities. The PhD project involves close interaction with research groups at other Danish universities and international partners, and the PhD student is expected to contribute to research outreach activities and attracting external funding within digitalisation in construction.

Finally, you must be able to communicate research results effectively and share knowledge across academia, industry, and society.

Aside from technical expertise, you are expected to have excellence in:

• Written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of relevant research methodologies and data analysis.

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 initial assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Jochen Teizer.

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. Employment 1 June 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Professor Jochen Teizer (teizerj@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 16 April 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
• Submit only ONE PDF-file  that combines all your documents!

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 services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. 

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, evolving, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.