This position targets researchers with a strong interest in the material physics, process interactions, and manufacturing science governing fibre-reinforced polymer composite production, with particular emphasis on vacuum infusion and preform-based manufacturing of large composite structures.

The work will focus on preform deformation, compaction and permeability characterisation, infusion process modelling, and the detection, monitoring, and mitigation of manufacturing defects. Through an integrated approach combining experimental investigations, material characterisation, in-situ process monitoring, and computational modelling, the successful candidate will study and model the layup and infusion processes to improve process understanding, predictability, and quality assurance.

The position is embedded in the Horizon Europe Innovation Action project SAMBA - Semi-Automated Manufacturing Blade Approach - and will contribute directly to DTU’s activities on process monitoring, physics-based modelling, digital twin development, and defect prediction in composite manufacturing. SAMBA develops semi-automated and digitally enabled manufacturing methods for large wind turbine blades, including automated ply kitting and stacking, robotic pick-and-place, digital quality assurance, real-time monitoring, process modelling, and advanced preforms, with validation planned on a 40 m V236 blade span at Vestas’ Isle of Wight facility. DTU leads the project’s work on process monitoring and quality assurance, where real-time sensing, AI-driven defect detection, and physics-based digital twin models are combined to improve manufacturing reliability and predict defects proactively.

We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international research environment. DTU strives for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect, academic freedom, and responsibility. We develop talent by offering career mentoring, access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, collaboration with leading industrial and academic partners, and opportunities for postgraduate teacher training.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, your main responsibilities will include:

• Conducting experimental research on dry fibre preforms, including deformation, compaction, draping behaviour, permeability, and infusion characteristics.
• Designing and carrying out vacuum infusion experiments to study resin flow, dry spots, void formation, race-tracking, and other process-induced defects.
• Developing, calibrating, and validating physics-based models for preform deformation, permeability, and resin infusion.
• Contributing to digital twin and process monitoring methods for predicting and mitigating manufacturing defects during composite production.
• Supporting the integration of experimental data, sensor data, and modelling results into the SAMBA digital quality assurance framework.
• Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary European consortium of universities, research organisations, SMEs, and industrial partners.
• Contributing to project deliverables, technical reports, and internal SAMBA meetings.
• Publishing high-quality scientific results in leading international peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting results at international conferences and project workshops.
• Participating in the supervision and mentoring of MSc and PhD students in composite manufacturing, materials science, and process modelling.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree, or equivalent, in mechanical engineering, materials science, composite manufacturing, applied mechanics, process modelling, or a closely related field.

The ideal candidate has experience with one or more of the following areas:

• Manufacturing of fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
• Vacuum infusion, RTM, VARTM, or related liquid composite moulding processes.
• Experimental characterisation of textile reinforcements, including compaction, permeability, shear, bending, or draping behaviour.
• Modelling of resin flow in porous media, preform deformation, process-induced defects, or coupled manufacturing processes.
• Programming and data analysis, for example in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experimental test planning, laboratory work, and quantitative analysis of complex datasets.
• Scientific publication and communication in English.

Experience with wind turbine blade manufacturing, large-scale composites, in-situ monitoring, digital image correlation, machine vision, AI-assisted defect detection, or digital twin methods will be considered an advantage.

The candidate should be motivated by interdisciplinary collaboration, have a strong interest in combining experiments and modelling, and be able to work independently while contributing actively to a large international research 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 terms of employment
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 2 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Section, Anthony Fraisse +4593511564 / [email protected], Head of Section/Professor Athanasios Kolios [email protected], Senior Researcher, Robert Pierce / [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Wind Energy at www.vindenergi.dtu.dk/english

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 19 June 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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 – 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.

Location
Roskilde, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-06-19T21:59:00+00:00