Postdoc in Advanced Reconstruction Algorithms for Time-Resolved Nano CT of Sustainable Cement - DTU Compute

Would you like to put your mathematical and algorithm skills to work in a truly interdisciplinary project and be part of devising new sustainable cement formulations through improved dynamic X-ray imaging, then come to DTU and work with us!  

We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join DTU Compute as part of the Villum Synergy funded project “MathCrete”. This research position will explore novel image reconstruction and segmentation algorithms for improving the contrast and space+time resolution of dynamic in situ micro and nano CT (computed tomography).

The position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with mathematical imaging researchers at DTU Compute, the DTU 3D Imaging Center and cement experts at DTU Construct, in particular another MathCrete postdoc focused on developing new cement formulations and characterization techniques. For algorithms and software there will also be the opportunity to work with the team behind the Core Imaging Library (CIL) and contribute to open-source reproducible research.

Together, we aim to push the boundaries of mathematical imaging data science, materials science and digital building technology!

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your focus will be on developing, implementing and applying advanced image reconstruction algorithms to improve the quality of time-resolved micro and nano X-ray CT imaging of cement mixing processes. This is challenging due to the fast evolving chemistry in the early mixing phase and low X-ray contrast between mixing and intermediary components. The goal is through improved time-resolved reconstruction to enable characterization of the cement microstructure in 3D + time to help understand and develop more sustainable cement formulations. This may involve techniques such as spatio-temporal regularization, discrete tomography, low-dimensional latent representations and machine learning.

The ultimate aim is to reduce the carbon footprint for the construction industry and enable CO2 capture from the atmosphere.

Your objectives will include to:

• Develop new optimization and/or machine-learning based reconstruction and segmentation algorithms to improve image quality in time-resolved micro and nano CT data.
• Develop and apply numerical implementations in simulation studies as well as to large experimental micro and nano CT data.
• Explore multi-modality reconstruction techniques to incorporate additional characterization data such as SEM, TEM, RAMAN, XRD data.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team at DTU Compute, the DTU 3D Imaging Center and DTU Construct, in particular the other “MathCrete” postdoc at DTU Construct.
• Publish results as journal articles and disseminate at scientific conferences.
• Possibility to co-supervise PhD/MSc/BSc students and contribute to teaching.

Qualifications:

• You should have (or be close to achieving) a PhD degree.
• Background within computational methods for inverse problems, ideally tomography.
• Experience with development of numerical implementations, ideally in Python.
• Experience with X-ray or neutron tomography data is a plus.

Flexibility is essential. We are looking for a team player who can also work independently, who is motivated to help and be part of a dynamic research environment; and, who has a positive, supportive and creative outlook. We expect you to have good communication and personal interaction skills and to be fluent in English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment 
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 2 years. Tentative starting date: Summer 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Jakob Sauer Jørgensen, DTU Compute, jakj@dtu.dk. 

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 June 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 
• Statement of experience with scientific coding/development of numerical methods and experiments with links to any available code produced for example on GitHub
• Contact information for at least two persons who may be contacted for references

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 Compute – Department of Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance.

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.