At the Technical University of Denmark, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) we are looking for a PhD student who will research novel modeling of new magnetic composites using high performance computing techniques.
205 years ago, the founder of the Technical University of Denmark, Prof. H.C. Ørsted, discovered the link between electric and magnetic phenomena. Since Ørsted’s initial discovery, magnets have become omni-present in our daily life, and they are essential in the green transition as the main components in wind turbines and electric motors in e.g. electric cars. However, the strongest magnets today contain rare-earth metals, which are associated with uncertain supply chains, pollution due to mining, and geopolitical issues. Therefore, research on alternative rare-earth-free magnets is a top priority and paramount for green and sustainable growth.
In a large research project funded by a Carlsberg Foundation’s Semper Ardens Advance grant, we will investigate if we can realize a new heavy-rare-earth-free permanent magnet through a nano-composite of magnetic materials. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) will study the behaviour of such composite materials using numerical modeling, while our partners at Aalborg University and at DTU Physics will investigate their synthesis and characterization.
Responsibilities and qualifications
For this modeling project, we are looking for a PhD student to further develop high performance computing numerical methods in our state-of-the-art open source micromagnetic model, MagTense. MagTense is based on a core implemented in the Fortran programming language, it relies on the platform CUDA for parallelization of the computation over several GPUs’ cores and has interfaces with Matlab and Python for ease of use. The role of the PhD student will be to use MagTense to simulate and understand the physics of magnetic nano-composites that combine different materials, as well as improving MagTense, especially with regards to its computational performance.
One of the research approaches that you will employ during your work will be to compute the macroscopic magnetic behaviour of the nano-composites, as quantified by their magnetic properties, from the properties of their constituent materials, and from their geometrical and topological organization. The set of relevant properties includes exchange coupling constants, saturation magnetization etc. Additionally, in collaboration with Aalborg University, you will have the invaluable opportunity to validate your modeling results against experimental data. Finally, your work will be published in the open source MagTense framework and will thus be used in powering future beyond-state-of-the-art simulations within magnetism.
Qualified applicants must have:
• Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science or similar.
• Experience with Fortran or other compiled programming languages
• Experience with numerical methods and parallelization
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
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.
Starting date is 1 August 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time 3-year position.
You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Rasmus Bjørk, rabj@dtu.dk
You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.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 15 May 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.
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk .
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-05-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/0e88f6bf-e271-4959-a602-b85cb52e50d1
