Postdoc in X-ray diffraction and strain analysis - DTU Construct

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 330,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Section for Manufacturing Engineering, invites applications for a postdoc position within the Lab4DMade project. The focus is on developing local strain analysis tools for Lab-4DµXRD and applying them to quantify microstructural evolution during mechanical loading.

The role involves collaboration with the DTU Lab4DMade team and external partners, in situ experiments, and the development of crystal plasticity models to understand local strain

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and demonstrated experience in diffraction-based strain analysis.
• Strong background in X-ray physics, microstructure, and crystallography.
• Experience with in situ tensile testing and 3D diffraction imaging is advantageous.
• Excellent English communication skills and ability to collaborate internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop software to extract elastic and local plastic strain from Lab-4DµXRD data.
• Conduct in situ Lab-4DµXRD experiments on aluminum with second-phase particles.
• Perform synchrotron experiments to validate Lab-4DµXRD results.
• Implement crystal plasticity finite element models using experimental data.

Skills

X-ray physics

Microstructural characterization

Plastic deformation

Crystallography

Physical Metallurgy

Mechanics

Strain analysis

Education

PhD degree (or equivalent)

Tools

Lab4DµXRD

Crystal plasticity FEM

Synchrotron diffraction imaging

Job description

Job Description

DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Section for Manufacturing Engineering, has a vacant postdoc position within the EIC Transition project Laboratory 4 Dimensional X-ray Diffraction for Sustainable Materials Development (Lab4DMade).

A central aim of the project, and of this position, is to develop local strain analysis tools for the state of-the-art laboratory 4D X-ray micro-beam diffraction technique, Lab-4DµXRD, and to apply this technique to quantify local microstructural evolution during mechanical loading. The work will lay a strong foundation for the application of this novel characterization tool in the development of next‑generation sustainable materials and beyond.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

• Developing software for analyzing both elastic strain tensors and local plastic strains (including operating slip systems) from Lab-4DµXRD data, in collaboration with the DTU Lab4DMade team and the Danish company Xnovo Technology ApS.
• Performing in situ Lab-4DµXRD experiments to follow the microstructural evolution during tensile loading of aluminum samples containing second‑phase intermetallic particles.
• Performing synchrotron experiments to validate Lab-4DµXRD results.
• Implementing crystal plasticity finite element models that use the experimental data as input and to understand the observed local strain heterogeneities

You will work in close collaboration with a group of senior scientists and technicians as well as Postdocs and PhDs. Also, the work will involve collaboration with selected external partners.

Required Background

• X-ray physics
• Microstructural characterization
• Plastic deformation
• Crystallography
• Physical Metallurgy
• Mechanics
• Strain analysis

Experience with synchrotron or laboratory 3D diffraction imaging is considered as a significant advantage.

Excellent English communication skills are also essential.

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

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 1.5 years. Starting date 01.11.2026 or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Scientist Yubin Zhang, tel: [phone], or Professor Dorte Juul Jensen tel: [phone]

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 .

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.

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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.