If you are looking to advance both theory and practice of advanced systems engineering with the help of AI, then come and join our growing group.
We are looking for individuals that are not only excited about developing and applying advanced requirements management methods, but also about developing new AI tools that make it easier for engineers and engineering organizations to adopt them. This project focusses on high-impact products in the medical and healthcare domain and will bridge a user-centric Design for Dignity approach with the strict requirements of advanced systems engineering.
We know that engineering organizations today spend about one fifth of the time and effort on systems engineering that is necessary to enable the productive execution of highly complex engineering projects. The aim of this project is to bridge that gap with the help of AI. You will have access to state-of-the-art knowledge and resources to both frontier models as well as local AI compute in our group.
Responsibilities and qualificationsWe expect you to bring some prior experience in requirements engineering and/or developing practical AI-based solutions with you. We do not expect you to be perfect in either, but we do expect a passion for both.
The project will be conducted in close collaboration with our partners in the MedTech and healthcare sector. Hands-on experience in that or similarly complex domains is a plus.
We are focusing on integrating human-centered values into a technical requirements management process. This includes usability, inclusivity for a wide range of user groups and, where patients and vulnerable populations are concerned, requirements for providing a dignified experience. Any exposure to this type of work is also considered a strong plus.
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 offerDTU 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 termsThe appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff:
www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.
The period of employment is 3 years.
Our preferred starting date is 1 November 2026 or by mutual agreement.
You can read more about
career paths at DTU here.
Further information Further information may be obtained from Josef Oehmen /
jooehm@dtu.dk (please mention “PhD Position Inquiry” in your email subject)
You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at
www.construct.dtu.dkIf 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 September 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
- An outline of a research plan, discussing practice motivation, state and gaps in the academic literature, research methods, and the three core academic contributions over the duration of the PhD (maximum 5 pages)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- Samples of your academic writing, approximately 10 pages, ideally submitted or published papers.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from an academic and one from an industry reference contact.
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 utilises science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the 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 technical services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering systems design, design for sustainability, and thermal energy.DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
