PhD Scholarship in Physics-Informed AI for Thermal Energy Storage - DTU
Are you ready to launch your scientific career by addressing the urgent need of renewable energy integration? At DTU Construct you will break new ground at the forefront of what is possible in the field of energy storage.
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position in Thermal Energy Storage (TES), Industrial Energy Systems, and Artificial Intelligence at the Thermal Energy Section, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
We look for a talented, self-driven, and collaborative individual with a passion for tackling complex challenges. This PhD project aims to advance the efficient, controllable, and optimized use of renewable energy by integration of advanced TES technologies (latent heat and thermochemical storage) in industrial processes.
Your research will drive a paradigm shift in how TES systems are modelled, integrated, and controlled within industrial settings. You will develop novel, adaptive, physics-informed models that merge thermo-fluid dynamic laws, deep learning, and experimental data. A central goal is to overcome current limitations in TES operation and optimization, enabling discovery of new high-performance and economically viable TES strategies.
You will engage with national and international partners, including the Danish Centre for Energy Storage and the International Energy Agency. The project includes proof-of-concept applications in real-world industrial cases such at GreenLab and Kalundborg, ensuring both scientific impact and industrial relevance.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The project involves conducting high-quality research at the intersection of thermo-fluids science, AI/machine learning and optimization. We envision that:
- You have an open mind and can think creatively in engineering, mathematical and programming contexts
- Your research will include extending and contributing to models and codes, including both high- and low-level programming languages, e.g. Python/Matlab to the development of machine learning frameworks
- Your research will include using models and codes to investigate the optimized design, integration, and intelligent operation of thermal energy storage systems in industrial processes
- You are eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve ideas, and test/validate by engagement with national and international collaborators
A successful candidate will have solid background in preferably more than one of the following areas:
- Thermodynamic analysis and simulation of energy technologies/processes/systems
- Programming tools such as Python, Matlab, Modelica, Pytorch, etc
- Optimization techniques (e.g. gradient-based, stochastic, linear programming)
- Machine learning techniques
- Energy processes and systems
Furthermore, a successful candidate has:
- Excellent use of the English language
- Good ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals
- willingness to work in a team-oriented environment
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 http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Adriano Sciacovelli, tjohnsonxcooperadrsc@burke.dkstevens.dkdtu.dk ; please attach your CV.
You can read more about DTU Construct at https://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 than21 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
- A short PhD project proposal (maximum 2 pages plus references) describing possible specific research objectives, theoretical framework and intended methodological approach.
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.