Postdoctoral researcher in Multiphysics Topology Optimisation

The Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering invites applications for a 24-month scholarship as a postdoctoral researcher in development of topology optimisation methods for multiphysics problems. The position is expected to start on October 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The application deadline is June 15, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

What we offer 

The postdoctoral researcher will work on a variety of projects within topology optimisation for multiphysics problems. The postdoctoral researcher will join the ‘Multiphysics Simulation and Optimisation’ (MSO) research group at SDU and contribute to current projects, as well as contribute to new grant applications and expand the group’s international collaborations. Furthermore, the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the teaching activities of the section of Mechanical Engineering by teaching 1-2 courses per semester.

You will focus on developing and extending in-house computational codes based on open-source frameworks and implementing novel methods for multiphysics topology optimisation. You will collaborate with other members of the MSO research group working on similar topics and act as co-supervisor for Master and Ph.D. students.

Research environment 
You will join the ‘Multiphysics Simulation and Optimisation’ (MSO) research group lead by Assc. Prof. Joe Alexandersen at SDU Mechanical Engineering (SDU-ME) in Odense. The research of the MSO group is focused on development of advanced simulation and optimisation methods for multiphysics, fluid flow and conjugate heat transfer problems, but also covers thermomechanical process simulations such as casting and welding. The research activities at SDU-ME spans widely from fluid mechanics, condition monitoring, machine learning, fatigue, maritime structures, to multiphysics simulation and optimisation. SDU-ME is part of the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (SDU-IME), which is a multidisciplinary department covering high-frequency electronics, super-capacitors, additive manufacturing, and energy technologies, in addition to the aforementioned. The department is an exciting environment, where you will be exposed to many different fields and have your general academic curiosity stimulated.

What we expect
The position is full-time and in-person only, where you are expected to work primarily on-campus. Foreign candidates are expected to relocate to Denmark for the duration of the employment. You will be expected to contribute to the co-supervision of students and teaching at SDU Mechanical Engineering.

Prior to the application date of May 31, 2025, you must have successfully defended a PhD thesis in a relevant discipline (computational mechanics, mechanical/aerospace engineering, simulation technology, applied mathematics, etc.). If you have not received your final diploma by the application date, please include an official letter from your university/supervisor that you have successfully defended your PhD thesis and will officially graduate as soon as possible. 

It is strictly required that you have experience with:

• Scientific programming, preferably in python and/or MATLAB and/or C++
• Derivation and implementation of finite element methods (FEM) in code
• Multiphysics simulations using FEM
• Topology optimisation using FEM

Furthermore, it is preferred that you also have experience with:

• Previous postdoctoral experience and co-supervision of Ph.D. students
• Teaching of the finite element method
• Using and modifying open-source simulation tools (e.g. FreeFEM, Firedrake, FEniCS)
• Topology optimisation of multiphysics, fluid and/or heat transfer problems
• Homogenisation-based topology optimisation and de-homogenisation
• Adaptive meshing algorithms for topology optimization
• PDE-driven topology optimisation methods
• Research fund application
• Collaboration with industrial partners

The working language of the MSO group is English, so you will be expected to have a documented working level of written and spoken English.

Contact information
For information about SDU Mechanical Engineering, please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sdumechanicalengineering. For information about the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, which encompasses SDU Mechanical Engineering, please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/institutter-centre/ime-mekanik-elektronik. 

Further information about this position is available from Associate Professor Joe Alexandersen, phone: +45 9350 7244, email: joal@sdu.dk. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include: 

• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 2 pages).
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, describing research, publication and teaching experience, computational skills and including personal contact information.
• Verified copy of the official Master's and PhD degree diplomas, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• A complete list of publications and a collection of the 5 most relevant publications collected in a single PDF file.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching
• References/reference letters may also be included
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is June 15, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary for an initial 24-month period, and the preferred start date is from October 1, 2025. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

The position will cover both teaching and research. Course responsibilities and teaching are expected for 1-2 courses per semester. Supervision of Master thesis students is also expected. 

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
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