Postdoc in Physical Metallurgy

Are you tempted by the challenge of providing an unlimited energy source that meets the demands on earth and seek an opportunity to contribute? 

Fusion energy has the potential if the process is harnessed and materials can be identified which are able to withstand facing burning plasma. Plastically deformed tungsten-based materials are presently the prime choice, but microstructural changes induced by the high operation temperatures impede their mechanical properties during service. As a promising alternative tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten composites and tungsten laminates are developed. For application as armor in plasma-facing components, their thermal stability is assessed at DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering. The research project aims for qualifying tungsten-based composites and laminates as plasma-facing materials by characterizing their microstructural evolution.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your focus will be on assessing tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten, tungsten laminates and other tungsten-based materials for their use as plasma-facing material by analyzing their thermal stability and identifying their lifetime as well as the potential operation window for their application. By microstructural investigations you will reveal the detailed restoration mechanisms and their mutual interplay.

Your tasks will include:

• Performing annealing treatments 
• Microstructural characterization by microscopy (LOM, SEM, EBSD, TEM)
• In-situ X-ray diffraction
• Mechanical testing (hardness, tensile testing)
• Quantitative modelling of restoration kinetics
• Physical metallurgical interpretation of restoration behavior

You should have a solid background in materials science, metal physics and materials characterization.

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

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for its excellence in 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 20 months.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Professor Wolfgang Pantleon, email:

You can read more about DTU Construct at

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 5 December :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 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. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.