PhD scholarship in Theoretical Metamaterial Acoustofluidics - DTU Physics

A 3-year PhD scholarship, starting 1 January 2027 is available in the Department of Physics (DTU Physics) in the field of theoretical metamaterial acoustofluidics supervised by Professor Henrik Bruus, Bruus.

We study the fundamental physics of fluids embedded in elastic solids particularly in the form of metamaterials and actuated by ultrasound through electromechanical transducers. We develop physical models and perform high-fidelity numerical simulations of selected systems often in international collaborations with various experimental groups. The PhD scholarship is part of the theoretical acoustofluidics project "High-performance, metamaterial-based acoustofluidc devices" funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF-FTP). The main research topics are microscale acoustofluidics, elastodynamics, electromechanical actuation, suppression of viscous dissipation by synchronous fluid-wall motion, acoustic resonances in microdevices, acoustic forces on suspended particles and solutions, and acoustic streaming.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for

• developing physical models of acoustofluidic devices with metamaterial walls
• implementing and performing weak-form FEM simulations of metamaterial acoustofluidic devices
• designing, and numerically testing, optimal metamaterial-based devices for high-performance acoustofluidic nanoparticle handling

We expect that you

• create and critically validate acoustofluidics models relevant for your research project,
• deliver theoretical and modeling results of high quality,
• participate in team work with independent and original theory/modeling contributions,
• collaborate effectively with experimentalists among the international collaborators,
• are excited to teach and to learn from other group members,
• communicate your insights and results effectively both orally and in writing,
• work with an outstanding drive and enthusiasm.

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.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Henrik Bruus.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: Salary structures.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 January 2027 (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 Henrik Bruus, bruus@fysik.dtu.dk.

You can read more about the research group of Professor Bruus at Bruus and about DTU Department of Physics at fysik.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 6 November 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.

At DTU Physics, we perform research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technologies

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU 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.