If you are looking for a research opportunity that explores how climate change affects wind conditions in the built environment, this PhD position at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, may be the right next step for you. 

The project investigates how meso‑ and microscale modelling of storm events and other weather conditions can help predict changes in structural loading and urban microclimates. You will join a dynamic research environment that values diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The PhD project focuses on numerical simulation of the turbulent urban boundary layer using the transient mesoscale model PALM‑4U. The work involves developing the model to integrate multi‑physical parameters and boundary conditions and to link outputs from meteorological macroscale models to microscale load effects on buildings and structures. The model will be used to simulate a wide range of weather conditions – from severe storm systems to everyday scenarios in a warmer climate. Model verification will draw on full‑scale measurements and wind‑tunnel experiments.

This project is part of the 10‑year research initiative Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment (CEBE), funded by the VILLUM Foundation. As such, the model developed in this PhD will contribute to several research activities within the initiative over the coming decade. Applicants with an interest in numerical modelling of large‑scale wind processes – especially experience with PALM‑4U – and their relevance for wind‑engineering applications are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to strengthen the department’s competences within computational modeling of large-scale atmospheric processes in the turbulent boundary layer over the built environment using PALM-4U. You will work under the primary supervision of Associate Professor Holger Hundborg Koss (hoko@dtu.dk ) and nearby colleagues at DTU and partner universities in Denmark as well as abroad. The ideal candidate will bring to the project:

• MSc in Civil Engineering preferably with focus on Wind Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics and/or experimental fluid mechanics
• Enthusiasm, creativity, and a can-do attitude
• Programming skills (Ideally PALM-4U, Python / MATLAB or similar)
• Excellent communication skills in English (both spoken and written)

You will also be expected to teach and supervise students in courses and projects on BSc and MSc level as well as taking relevant courses appropriate for the graduate level at DTU.

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Holger Hundborg Koss (hoko@dtu.dk ). 

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.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 24 March 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.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering  develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

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.