DTU Engineering Technology is offering a 3-year PhD position on the nonlinear mechanics of soft architected materials. Soft architected materials have immense potential in tissue engineering, energy harvesting, and soft robotics. A key challenge in the design of flexible scaffolds is to understand the connection between architecture and the macroscopic response that is typically governed by elastic instabilities. This project aims to elucidate this connection through carefully designed experiments on programmed microstructures, synthesized by additive manufacturing, and the development of computational tools that will enable automated structure-property correlation. The research will be supervised by Associate Professor Stavros Gaitanaros.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious PhD student, ideally with prior experience with additive manufacturing, solid mechanics, and architected materials. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Digital design of soft scaffolds and synthesis using extrusion-based bioprinting.
• Experimental characterization and constitutive modeling. 
• Compression experiments on 3D-printed scaffolds under different conditions.
• Multi-scale computational modelling and large deformation theory.

This project also involves a research stay abroad in one of our collaborating groups at Johns Hopkins or Cornell Universities.

The candidate is expected to have experience in several of these areas:

• Additive manufacturing
• CAD modelling (preferably Rhino3D - Grasshopper)
• Material characterization and structure-property correlation
• Solid mechanics
• Computational modelling and finite element analysis

Active dissemination of the results in scientific articles and participation in national and international conferences is integral to the job. Furthermore, participation in supervising B.Eng., B.Sc., and M.Sc. students is expected. 

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. 

The expected starting date is 2026-05-01 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

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 Associate Professor Stavros Gaitanaros, staga@dtu.dk  or the head of the section, Associate Professor Christian Kim Christiansen chkch@dtu.dk  

You can read more about DTU Engineering Technology at www.engtech.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 Friday the 30 January 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

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.

About DTU Engineering Technology
We work at the forefront of university-industry collaboration and develop tools and methods for technology implementation. We are organized in eight sections all focused on technology implementation, engineering technology and engineering education within a wide range of engineering fields.

The Section for Mechanical Technology is striving to be a globally recognized player within the fields of design, advanced materials, autonomous systems, and thermal processes, aiming to create novel implementable technologies for sustainability, energy, and health. Our research efforts in advanced materials integrate novel synthesis and characterization techniques with state-of-the-art multi-scale modelling and scientific computing methods.

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.