PhD Scholarship in Circular Earth Processing - DTU Construct
Are you motivated to advance sustainable construction by pioneering new methods in circular and automated earth processing? At DTU Construct, you will explore innovative digital technologies that are redefining how we build with sustainable materials.
We invite applications for a PhD position in Circular and Automated Earth Processing for Sustainable Construction at the Section for Digital Building Technologies, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
The research project will be carried out in collaboration with a team of DTU researchers as well as regional and industrial partners, including the Capital Region of Denmark and the contractor Holbøll, ensuring both scientific impact and practical relevance.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The overall objective of this project is to upcycle excess earth from construction sites into sustainable structures. This will be achieved through the development of advanced, automated processes that transform earth—currently disposed of in landfills at high environmental and economic cost—into high-performing and aesthetically pleasing structures. These innovative structures are characterized by a minimal carbon footprint, the use of locally sourced materials, and construction without binders, thereby ensuring full material reusability.
Specifically, the candidate’s tasks will include:
- Advancing an extrusion machine that produces large-scale earth blocks
- Building a 3D printer that utilizes earth materials for construction purposes
- Developing numerical process models that simulate 3D earth printing
- Constructing earth-based structures and testing their mechanical and acoustic performance
A successful candidate will have a solid background in one or more of the following areas:
- Machine development and automation
- Earth processing
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Numerical process modelling
- Rheology
Furthermore, the candidate should be motivated to work collaboratively as part of a team.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .
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 appointment terms
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 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Jon Spangenberg (jospvyorkwilliamsrodneyschwartzkimberly@dtu.dkmichael-silva.dkmoore.dkallison.dk).
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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than16 September 2025 (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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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.