PhD scholarship in Development and Modelling of Natural Fibre Over-Moulding Process Technical University of Denmark in Denmark

Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, is offering a PhD scholarship in Development and Modelling of Natural Fibre Over-Moulding Process within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network ENDURE (Enabling Scaled Production of Durable Natural Fibre Components).

This project sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, materials innovation, polymer processing, natural fibre composites, digital twins, and simulation/data-driven process modelling. The successful candidate will develop, model, and validate a novel natural fibre injection moulding (NFIM) process aimed at improving adhesion, mechanical performance, and barrier properties for sustainable fibre-based packaging and related industrial applications.

The research combines laboratory-scale experiments with modelling and digital manufacturing tools. You will work on hygrothermal simulations, X-ray CT characterization of fibrous 3D structures, in situ process monitoring, sensor integration, AI-driven reduced-order models, and uncertainty quantification. The position also includes setting up a digital twin environment using open-source platforms such as Eclipse Ditto, and linking sensor data, simulation outputs, and ex-situ characterization into robust workflows.

The project is embedded in a wider European training network with collaboration across universities, research institutes, and industry partners. You will participate in ENDURE training activities, spend time at partner institutions such as KTH in Sweden and IPC in France, and collaborate closely with industrial partners in Denmark and across the EU. This offers strong international exposure and a unique profile in sustainable manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and industrially relevant composite processing.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) in mechanical engineering, materials engineering (with composites/polymer/natural fibre background), manufacturing engineering, mechatronics, cyber-physical systems engineering, or a closely related field. Experience with experimental work or advanced data analysis/AI/ML is desirable. Excellent English communication skills are required. Because the position is funded by MSCA, the mobility rule applies: applicants must not have resided in Denmark or carried out their main activity there for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

Funding and terms: the PhD is a funded scholarship under Horizon Europe MSCA, with a 3-year full-time appointment and salary according to the Danish collective agreement for scientific staff. Starting date is 15 October 2026 or by mutual agreement.

Application deadline: 18 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time. Apply online via DTU and upload all materials in one PDF file in English.

Supervision: the application will be assessed by Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty and Associate Professor Guido Tosello. Further information is available via the DTU manufacturing engineering section and the project pages linked in the posting.