PhD scholarship in ROI X-Ray Microscopy of Materials - DTU Physics in Denmark

Join our interdisciplinary team developing state-of-the-art 3D X-ray microscopy for life science applications. ‘Seeing is believing’, therefore at the DTU 3D imaging center we explore the frontiers of micro- and nano-scale 3D X-ray imaging. Our next challenge is to visualize hydrogel matrix for cell cultures using phase contrast X-ray microscopy with one of our laboratory X-ray tomographic scanners. This is in the framework of a European Doctoral training network, X-celerate, including in total 10 PhD students around Europe.

We are looking for an outstanding and motivated candidate to take up the challenge of designing, developing and applying advanced X-ray imaging methods by combining experimental and computational approaches in physics. You will be working with laboratory X-ray microscopes at DTU and at synchrotron beamlines, in close collaboration with partner universities in the HORIZON project. 

Responsibilities

As a PhD, your mission is to first familiarize with the current challenges in imaging hydrogel systems used for cell cultures. Among the main tasks will be to demonstrate phase contrast micron and sub-micron resolution 3D images of hydrogel bsystems for cell culture with laboratory- and synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic scanners.

For this it will be necessary to pursue the development of an X-ray dose optimised fast imaging concept to characterise static and dynamic shapes of 3D printed hydrogels and cell cultures.

Qualifications

You have solid physics and mathematics background and is excited about experimental science and advanced data analysis. We expect that you enjoy being part of a team, that you have sense of humor, is a good problem solver and that you can work efficiently and independently. 

You hold a Master degree in Physics or Applied physics.

For this position we favor candidates with previous experience in X-ray imaging preferably for biomedical applications. You should

• Have a solid grasp of microscopy, electromagnetism/optics and linear algebra
• Be skilled in data analysis with proven experience with programming in Python
• Be skilled in experimental work

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 . 

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Rajmund Mokso, DTU Physics. 

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.

Applicants can be of any nationality, but researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

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

Should you have any queries regarding the positions, please contact Rajmund Mokso (calvinwallrajmorodriguezrebeccastephen23@rodriguezjohnsondtucopeland-stewart.dk). 

You can read more about the department https://physics.dtu.dk and the 3D imaging center https://3dim.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 than 26 January 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:

• 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.

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.