PhD scholarship in Coastal Morphology Predictions from Remote Sensing - DTU Construct

Are you ready to launch your scientific career by addressing the urgent need for climate resilient and adaptive coastal solutions? At DTU Construct you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of coastal engineering science.

The position is affiliated to CEBE– Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment – a new research programme involving DTU, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark. The Villum Foundation is investing one billion Danish kroner in CEBE over the next 10 years.

The vision for CEBE is a science-based circular, low-carbon and resilient built environment within planetary boundaries – regenerative by design, radically efficient in its use of resources and resilient to climate extremes.

You will be employed in Section of Fluid Mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering (FVM) that studies fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, and the interaction with structures and seabed. Examples of technical applications are estimation of sediment transport, coastal morphology, and determination of wave loads on ships, offshore structures, and coastal structures.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The scholarship will focus on investigating annual morphological changes at specific sites, utilizing a range of innovative remote sensing technologies that have emerged over the past decade. This includes high-resolution aerial orthophotos and satellite lidar, which can be augmented by localized surveys using airborne drones, waterborne echo-sounding, and direct physical measurements. This multimodal approach aims to develop methodologies for integrating remote sensing into the assessment of shoreline movements and coastal morphological changes.

The goal is to establish a cost-effective technique that can reliably predict coastal changes, providing a foundation for effective coastal protection strategies. Candidates are expected to have a background in coastal engineering or a related field, along with a solid understanding of remote sensing. As various data types will be incorporated to support the investigation of coastal morphology, proficiency in machine learning techniques will be an important asset. Additionally, there may be opportunities to establish connections with regional scale morphological tools.

We envision that you have a solid understanding of coastal sediment transport processes. Your research will include the development and use of analyzing tools and codes, including both high- and low-level programming languages such as Python and Matlab. You are also eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve ideas, and test and validate them through engagement with national and international collaborators.

It is also beneficial if you have previous exposure/experience in one more of the following areas:

• You have an open mind and can think creatively in engineering, mathematical and programming contexts
• Experience from your study or work with remote sensing and analyses
• Experience with regional morphological modelling tools
• Experience in Machine Learning Techniques

Furthermore, you have excellent proficiency in English. You demonstrate a strong ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers. You are willing to work in a team-oriented environment and have a proactive personality to collaborate with internal and external partners.

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 Professor Erik Damgaard Christensen, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk .

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at .

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 5 July 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 (DTU Construct) 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 services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanic, coastal and maritime engineering, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

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.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-07-05T21:59:00+00:00