Postdoc in Marine Structures - DTU Construct

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU - Technical University of Denmark is seeking a Postdoc to advance next-generation digital twins for offshore wind infrastructures within a Horizon Europe project. You will develop coupled physics and data-driven models in marine structures at DTU Construct, collaborating with European partners and industrials.

A PhD and strong FEA/data analytics background are essential. The role includes developing algorithms for data fusion, surrogate models, and a reliability framework, plus supervision

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or equivalent) required.
• Strong background in marine structure or structural health monitoring, or related fields.
• Significant experience with finite element analysis and/or data analytics.
• Proactive, independent, and responsible with good collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and calibrate finite element models for key structural components using experimental data.
• Develop data‑fusion algorithms to reconstruct structural states (stress maps, modal states).
• Create data‑driven surrogate models for reconstructed states.
• Establish a structural reliability re‑analysis framework for risk-informed decisions.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of MSc students.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Data Analytics

Collaboration

Academic Supervision

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Finite Element Software

Data Analytics Tools

Job description

Job Description

If you are establishing your career as a scientist in Marine Structures and are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right in front of you. At DTU Construct, we are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc to join us in a recently granted Horizon Europe project where DTU is a partner. The position offers an exciting opportunity to develop next-generation digital twins for offshore wind infrastructures based on physical and data-driven models.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Your overall focus will be to strengthen the department’s competencies in modelling offshore floating infrastructures and their positioning systems in ocean environments. You will work with nearby colleagues and with both academic and industrial partners across Europe. Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop and calibrate finite element models for key structural components using embedded sensing configurations and test data in controlled experiments.
• Develop algorithms for fusing strain/vibration/environmental data into reconstructed structural states (e.g., stress maps, modal states, etc.).
• Develop data-driven surrogate models for reconstructed structural states.
• Establish a structural reliability re-analysis framework to enable continuous update of failure probability of critical components, providing risk-informed decision support.
• Contribute to research-based teaching and supervision of MSc students.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

You are expected to have a strong background in marine structure, structure health monitoring or related fields, along with substantial experience in finite element analysis and/or data analytics. The role requires a proactive approach, the ability to work independently when necessary, and a strong sense of accountability for your work. Additionally, the project involves close interaction with adjacent disciplines and industrial partners, making effective collaboration skills essential. Finally, you must be able to effectively disseminate results and share knowledge across existing and emerging networks, including academia, industry, and broader society.

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 terms of employment

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 two years. Expected starting date is January 1, 2027, or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Yanlin Shao ( [e-mail] ), the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at DTU.

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 .

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 services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.