Are you ready to use data and engineering to change how industries manage complex systems?
At DTU Construct, we offer you the chance to pursue a PhD that bridges cutting-edge research with real industrial practice. You will work on asset-heavy cases from sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and process industries, where maintenance is not just about fixing breakdowns but about ensuring competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation. By joining us, you will gain the tools to develop data- driven, modular approaches to maintenance, collaborate with leading companies, and position yourself at the forefront of research that has immediate value for industry and society.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to develop new approaches to modular, data-driven maintenance in asset-heavy industries. You will explore how maintenance can move from being a cost driver to a source of competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability. Working closely with both academic supervisors and industry partners, you will bridge theory and practice to create research with real-world impact.
Your primary tasks will be to:
We are looking for candidates who hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in engineering, industrial management, or a related field. You should have a strong interest in maintenance, operations, data modeling, or lifecycle engineering. Solid analytical skills and experience with either quantitative or qualitative research methods are essential. We value individuals who can collaborate effectively with both industry and academia, while also being able to work independently. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required.
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 thePhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by an expert committee appointed by DTU Construct. The committee will evaluate candidates based on academic qualifications, research potential, and their ability to contribute to both the scientific and industrial objectives of the project.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for its excellence in 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 Niels Henrik Mortensen, nhno@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 24 November 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:
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 Construct
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.