PhD scholarship in Digital Platform-based Micromanufacturing System - DTU Construct

Technical University Of Denmark; Denmark; On-site; DKK 314,000 - 404,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a PhD position in data-centric micromanufacturing within the Horizon Europe MSCA network. The project targets open digital platforms, AI microservices, and predictive analytics for healthcare‑related manufacturing processes.

The candidate will develop a data lake, integrate multimodal data, validate on metal powder bed fusion systems, and collaborate with industrial and academic partners. Starting 1 March 2027 or as agreed.

Qualifications

• Two-year master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or Software Engineering.
• Strong programming and software development experience (Python or similar).
• Knowledge of data engineering, databases and data integration for industrial applications.
• Experience with machine learning, data analytics or AI for manufacturing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop an open digital platform for data-centric micromanufacturing.
• Create AI methods for predictive maintenance and process monitoring.
• Validate platform on open-architecture metal powder bed fusion systems.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and collaborations.

Skills

Python

Data engineering

Database technologies

Data integration

Machine learning

Data analytics

Industrial sensors

Education

Master's degree (2-year) in Mechanical Eng / Manufacturing Eng / CS / Data Science / Software Eng

Job description

Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Organisation/Company Technical University Of Denmark Department Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Copenhagen) Country Denmark Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

If you are building your career as a scientist in digital manufacturing, industrial AI, and data-centric production systems—and you are looking for a PhD where your research will contribute to the next generation of intelligent micromanufacturing—this opportunity is for you.

At DTU, you will contribute to the development of digital infrastructures that enable manufacturing systems to become connected, autonomous, and data driven. Working at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, artificial intelligence, and software platforms, you will develop technologies that integrate heterogeneous production data, support AI-driven decision-making, and advance intelligent manufacturing. Through close collaboration with leading industrial and academic partners, you will build a unique research profile combining scientific excellence with hands‑on experience in developing scalable digital solutions for advanced manufacturing.

The PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network MicroMan4Health – Data-Centric Micromanufacturing Platform Towards Added Value in the Health Sector ( https://www.microman4health.eu/ ).

The doctoral project is hosted within the Section of Engineering Design and Manufacturing Systems at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, DTU. You will develop an open digital platform for micromanufacturing built around a secure and scalable data lake integrating heterogeneous production data. The platform will enable plug‑and‑play AI microservices for predictive maintenance, process monitoring, and real-time analytics, validated on open‑architecture metal powder bed fusion systems. By combining manufacturing engineering, industrial AI, and digital platform technologies, the project will contribute to the next generation of intelligent, data‑centric manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall purpose will be to develop an open, digital platform for data-centric micromanufacturing that transforms heterogeneous production data into actionable manufacturing intelligence. The project will establish a secure and scalable data lake capable of integrating multimodal data from advanced micromanufacturing processes, enabling AI-driven services for predictive maintenance, process monitoring, and real-time decision support. By shifting from machine‑parameter‑driven fabrication to data‑centric process intelligence, your research will contribute to the digital foundations of next‑generation, interoperable micromanufacturing systems for healthcare applications.

Your primary tasks will be to develop a scalable manufacturing data lake for multimodal production data and design an open platform supporting plug‑and‑play AI microservices. You will develop AI methods for predictive maintenance and process monitoring, while integrating heterogeneous manufacturing data from multiple sources and technologies. Furthermore, you will validate the platform on open‑architecture metal powder bed fusion systems and evaluate its scalability, interoperability, and real‑time analytics capabilities. Finally, you will disseminate research findings through scientific publications and collaboration with industrial and academic partners.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with strong knowledge of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, cyber‑physical production systems, or smart manufacturing. The ideal candidate has experience with programming and software development, such as Python or similar, as well as knowledge of data engineering, database technologies, or data integration for industrial applications. Knowledge of machine learning, data analytics, or AI methods for manufacturing applications is also required. Experience with manufacturing data acquisition, industrial sensors, or production monitoring will be considered an advantage, together with an understanding of manufacturing processes and quality assurance methodologies. Furthermore, the candidate should be able to work independently, manage research activities, and collaborate effectively in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Special requirements

In accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network regulations:

• Applicants must comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule. At the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment.
• Applicants must be doctoral candidates (i.e., not already hold a doctoral degree) and be eligible under the MSCA Doctoral Network rules at the time of recruitment.
• Short stays such as holidays, compulsory national service, or time spent as part of a refugee procedure are not considered.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering,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 Senior Researcher Matteo Calaon, Associate Professor Guido Tosello, and Dr. Musa Mulla (CEO of Infinitibit, industrial partner in the project).

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. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures .

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 March 2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full‑time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Matteo Calaon ( https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/persons/matteo-calaon/ ), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Section of Manufacturing Engineering.

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk/ and Section of Engineering Design and Manufacturing Systems at https://construct.dtu.dk/sections/engineering-design-and-manufacturing-systems .

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 “ PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.