<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> PhD scholarship in Coastal Engineering (Wave-Vegetation Interaction) - DTU Construct <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD fellowship within the general field of coastal engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, section for Fluid Mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering.
The PhD project will play an integral part of the project “Marine advection and dissipation in the vegetated coastal environment”, financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. 
The project will involve active research collaboration between national Danish partners DTU and DHI, as well as with international partners University College Dublin, Ireland and Northeastern University, USA.
Responsibilities
The PhD project involves developing a flexible vegetation model within the OpenFOAM platform, where vegetation stems are represented as nonlinear flexible beams. Key stages and tasks will include:

• Developing and validating a one-way coupling model (prescribed wave-induced flow causing stem deflection) using existing measurements with regular waves.
• Extending the model to full two-way coupling, allowing feedback from flexible vegetation on wave-induced flow.
• Applying the fully-coupled model to simulate interactions under both regular and irregular wave conditions at realistic, field-relevant scales.
• Developing a practical correction model to account for energy dissipation by flexible (vs. rigid) vegetation
• Original research on wave-induced forces and potential failure modes of vegetation, supporting restoration feasibility studies (e.g. seagrass survival under seasonal/site-specific conditions).

Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have:

• MSc degree (or equivalent (120 ECTS points)) in civil or mechanical engineering.
• Background or strong interest in one or more of the following:
  • Hydrodynamics (wave or coastal)
  • Structural mechanics (nonlinear beam theory, fluid-structure interaction)
• Desire to develop interdisciplinary expertise across hydrodynamics and structural mechanics.
• Experience with or willingness to learn:
  • Programming (e.g. C++, Python, Matlab)
  • OpenFOAM (beneficial, not required)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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. Starting date is anticipated as 1 September 2025, or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor David R. Fuhrman (drfu@dtu.dk ).
You can read more about DTU Construct  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 21 July 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:

• 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 installation, 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.

• Job Identification 5374
• Job Category Phd
• Posting Date 06/18/2025, 01:08 PM
• Apply Before 07/21/2025, 10:59 PM
• Locations Nils Koppels Allè, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK