If you are eager to kick-start your scientific career and explore the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing processes, advanced simulation and gas atomization, this opportunity is for you. At DTU, you will work at the forefront of the gas atomization process, with optimisation of the gas and melt nozzles that are at the heart of the process with the aim of making tailor-made powders for specific applications.
Applications are invited for a 3-year Ph.D. position starting in February 2026 within research in optimised design of gas and melt nozzles to produce metal powders with predetermined particle size distributions for laser powder bed fusion and binder jetting processes.
Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team working on the optimization of nozzle design for metal powder production. This position involves close collaboration with another PhD student focused on modelling gas and melt flow, as well as droplet formation. You will be supported by experienced scientific and technical staff at DTU.
You will be responsible for conducting experimental investigations into how nozzle geometry and configuration influence powder size distribution and morphology. You will design innovative nozzle components—such as gas manifolds and ceramic inserts—and contribute to their fabrication using advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Your work will involve performing powder production experiments at both DTU and RWTH Aachen, utilizing lab-scale and industrial atomizers. These experiments will be complemented by real-time monitoring and high-speed infrared imaging of the spray plume. You will also characterize the resulting powders using a variety of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser diffraction, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and rheometry. A central part of the project will be the systematic parametric analysis of process conditions, such as gas pressure and melt flow rate, to inform the design of optimized gas nozzles for atomization.
In addition to the direct project-related research, you will conduct some teaching-related activities, disseminate your research through publication of papers in high-ranking journals and attend conferences and internationalize through a research stay abroad.
We envision that you:
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. Starting date 1 February 2026 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
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.
The Section for Manufacturing Engineering
does research into the physical phenomena taking place during the entire manufacturing chain. We span a wide range of manufacturing processes, such as additive and subtractive manufacturing, injection molding, casting, welding, metal forming, micro and nanofabrication and manufacturing of composite parts. Our approach is based on a combination of high-level experimental activities in combination with advanced Multiphysics, multi-scale modelling.
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.