At the Technical University of Denmark, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) we are looking for a PhD-student to conduct research on modeling of ideal magnetic composite materials.
205 years ago, the founder of the Technical University of Denmark, H.C. Ørsted, discovered electromagnetism. 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 such as those found in 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.
Responsibilities and qualifications
In this PhD-project we will model ideal structures of magnetic materials to investigate if we can realize a new magnet with superior properties compared to the best magnets available today. However, these are complicated to model because of the large number of magnetic interactions, so in order to overcome this challenge you have to further develop suitable numerical methods within our state-of-the-art open source micromagnetic model, MagTense. In the physical phenomenon that we are interested in modelling all the present magnetic sources interacting with each other, which leads to computational resources scaling with the number of sources squared – which is inherently problematic numerically. Furthermore, the differential equation used to evolve a magnetic system forward in time might be stiff, thus requiring special numerical techniques. In order to expedite the simulation, MagTense is based on a core implemented in the Fortran programming language, and it relies on the platform CUDA for parallelization of the computation over several GPUs’ cores. At the same time, the code is interfaced with Matlab and Python for ease of use.
You will research and realize numerical techniques that can be used to solve or alleviate the above problems and use your developed methods to model ideal structures of magnetic materials. Your techniques will be published in the open source MagTense framework, and will be used in powering future beyond-state-of-the-art simulations within magnetism. Furthermore, the ideal structures that you will be simulating could potentially be the next generation of permanent magnets, powering everything from wind turbines to electric cars in the green transition.
Qualified applicants must have:
- Master’s degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, computer science or similar.
- Experience with numerical methods.
- Experience with coding, compiler and software development.
- Experience with Matlab, Python, Fortran or similar.
- Experience with magnetism, e.g. from a BSc course in electromagnetism
- Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
- 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 August 2025 (or according to mutual agreement).
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 Rasmus Bjørk, +45 46 77 58 95, rabj@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 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 Energy
I
s focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on
www.energy.dtu.dk
.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-05-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/d6ca9b67-e26a-4b44-96c2-2a98fc1fc8ce
