PhD scholarship in Topology Optimization for Surgical Procedures - DTU Construct

You are invited to apply for a 3-year PhD position starting in mid-2025 within the field of biomechanics and topology optimization. The PhD-project is funded through the “Optimized incisions and sutures for efficient wound healing“ (OPTCUT) project granted by the Independent Research Fund Denmark
You are invited to apply for a 3-year PhD position starting in mid-2025 within the field of bio-mechanics and topology optimization at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (the TopOpt group, and CAMM). The PhD-project is funded through the “Optimized incisions and sutures for efficient wound healing“ (OPTCUT) project granted by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

OPTCUT is a three-year research project aimed at developing advanced numerical optimal design tools that allow for systematic investigations and design of incisions for flap-transpositions (plastys) and suture practices for surgical procedures. The specific PhD-project aims at developing efficient hyper elastic-based topology optimization algorithms that take into account skin mechanics, advanced material models and extreme deformations.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project involves extensive development and implementation of numerical algorithms for skin mechanics and topology optimization. Hence, it is a prerequisite that the candidates document their experience with finite element programming to receive full consideration. Preference will be given to candidates with documented experience in at least one and preferably more of the following areas: computational solid- and/or biomechanics; finite strain hype elasticity; finite element methods; numerical optimization methods; shape and/or topology optimization.

We envision that:

• You have an open mind and can think creatively in mathematical, physical, mechanical and programming contexts
• You are eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve the ideas, and test them by implementation
• Your research will include extending and contributing to various in-house codes, including both high- and low-level programming languages, i.e. ranging from Python/Julia/Matlab to the development of parallel computing frameworks based on the PETSc library using the c++ computing language.
• You know and have in-depth experience within finite strain theory and advanced hyper elastic material models incl. anisotropy
• You preferably have insights into topology optimization and/or finite element analysis and are committed to improving state-of-the-art
• You are interested in contributing to the development of collaboration with other DTU departments as well as external collaborators from medical science.

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 assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professors Niels Aage and Associate Professor Konstantinos Poulios.

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.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Niels Aage, naage@dtu.dk.

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanic Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk and about the TopOpt-group at www.topopt.dtu.dk and the CAMM centre at www.camm.elektro.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 18 April 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:

• 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.

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Solid mechanics, Fluid mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering, Energy systems and energy conversion, Materials and Surface Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering design and Product development. The department has a scientific staff of about 135 persons, 100 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 80 persons.

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.

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