Job Description
At the Technical University of Denmark, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) we are looking for a postdoc to work on novel micromagnetic modeling of new magnetic composites.
205 years ago, the founder of the Technical University of Denmark, Prof. H.C. Ørsted, discovered electromagnetism. Since Ørsted’s initial discovery, magnets have become omni-present in our daily life, and they are essential in the green transition as the main components in wind turbines and electric motors in e.g. electric cars. However, the strongest magnets today contain rare-earth metals, which are associated with uncertain supply chains, pollution due to mining, and geopolitical issues. Therefore, research on alternative rare-earth-free magnets is a top priority and paramount for green and sustainable growth.
In a large research project funded by a Carlsberg Foundation’s Semper Ardens Advance grant, we will investigate if we can realize a new heavy-rare-earth-free permanent magnet through a nanocomposite of magnetic materials. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) will model such magnets while our partners at Aarhus University and at DTU Physics will work on the synthesis and characterization of the nano-composite magnets.
Responsibilities and qualifications
For this modeling project, we are looking for a postdoc to investigate the necessary exchange coupling and nano-structuring needed to realize a strong permanent magnet. To investigate this, you will use and further develop numerical methods in our state-of-the-art open source micromagnetic model, MagTense. At present, our ability to model complicated magnetic systems is limited by computation resources in a number of ways. First, all magnetic sources in a simulation interact, leading to computational resources scaling with the number of sources squared – which is inherently problematic numerically. Secondly, the differential equation used to evolve a magnetic system forward in time might be stiff, thus requiring special numerical techniques. In order to expedite the simulation, MagTense is based on a core implemented in the Fortran programming language, and it relies on the platform CUDA for parallelization of the computation over several GPUs’ cores. At the same time, the code is interfaced with Matlab and Python for ease of use.
You will research and realize numerical techniques that can be used to solve or alleviate the above problems and use your developed methods to model and determine the ideal nano-composites. In collaboration with Aarhus University, you will get to validate your modeling results against experiments. You will also get to supervise a PhD-student hired on a similar topic. Your techniques will be published in the open source MagTense framework, and will be used in powering future beyond-state-of-the-art simulations within magnetism.
Qualified applicants must have
- PhD degree in physics, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, computer science or similar.
- Experience with numerical methods, preferably within open-source software.
- Experience with coding, compiler and software development.
- Experience with physics, ideally also static magnetism (magnetostatics) as gained e.g. from physics courses in electromagnetism.
- Experience with Matlab, Python, Fortran or similar.
- Experience with writing and publishing scientific articles.
- Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
- Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
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.
Starting date is 1 July 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time 3-year position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Rasmus Bjørk, +45 46 77 58 95, rabj@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 22 April 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
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.
DTU Energy
Is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk
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.
