Postdoc in X-ray Diffraction and Strain Analysis

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

Your responsibilities will include: 

• 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. 

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in several of the following areas: 

• 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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Senior Scientist Yubin Zhang, tel: +45 93511819, or Professor Dorte Juul Jensen tel: +45 4525 4777

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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

To view the full announcement and to apply click the 'Apply' button