Summary
SDU CREATE (Centre for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology & Engineering) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is inviting applications from highly motivated candidates for a 3-year fully funded PhD position in 3D Concrete Printing for Low-Carbon Buildings. The project focuses on combining computational design, AI-driven pipelines, structural optimization, and robotic fabrication to create material-efficient building systems.
PhD Position in 3D Concrete Printing for Low-Carbon Buildings at SDU CREATE
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Designation | PhD Fellow / PhD Position |
| Hosting Organization | SDU CREATE, Department of Technology and Innovation (ITI), Faculty of Engineering |
| University | University of Southern Denmark (SDU) |
| Research Area | 3D Concrete Printing, Computational Design, Low-Carbon Architecture & Construction Robotics |
| Location | Odense M, Denmark |
| Duration | 3 Years (Full-time) |
| Salary / Remuneration | Approx. 37,075 DKK / month (gross salary including pension, with potential higher placement based on prior experience) |
| Start Date | January 1, 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2026 (23:59 CET/CEST) |
Research Area & Project Scope
The research integrates architectural design, structural optimisation, and artificial intelligence to develop digitally designed, low-carbon building systems:
- AI & Computational Pipelines: Developing AI-driven workflows linking structural performance evaluation, geometry generation, fabrication planning, and robotic production.
- Experimental Prototyping: Combining computational research with hands-on lab experiments, including robotic 3D printing of full-scale architectural components and demonstrators.
- Structural Testing & Validation: Validating printed components through comprehensive structural and material testing.
- Institutional Framework: SDU CREATE contributes to a 10-year national research initiative funded by the Villum Foundation, leading the research area on Digitalisation and Automation (RF4) and supporting Design for Regeneration, Circularity, and Longevity (RF2).
Designation
- PhD Fellow (Doctoral Researcher)
Location
- SDU CREATE, Department of Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish Master’s degree) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Robotics, Computational Design, or a closely related discipline.
Key Requirements:
- Documented foundational knowledge and interest in 3D Concrete Printing and additive manufacturing.
- Advanced proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper. (Knowledge of Python, C#, or Finite Element Analysis is strongly valued).
- Proven capability to conduct, document, and publish scientific research suitable for peer-reviewed journals/conferences.
- Hands-on laboratory and experimental prototyping experience with robotic systems and fabrication equipment.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and project coordination skills.
- Prior experience in teaching assistance, academic writing, or collaboration with industry stakeholders is advantageous.
Scholarship & Position Description
- Employment Terms: Fully funded 3-year salaried position governed by the collective agreement for Danish university staff.
- Remuneration: Monthly gross salary of approximately 37,075 DKK (including pension contributions), with possibilities for higher salary placement depending on relevant postgraduate experience.
- Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art robotic and additive manufacturing facilities at CREATE Lab, along with collaboration opportunities across national and international partner networks.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the SDU Career Portal:
- Visit the official SDU Career Portal job listing.
- Prepare and upload the required application materials (in English, compiled into PDF files):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and practical background.
- Letter of Motivation / Cover Letter describing research interests and motivation for this specific topic.
- Certified copies of Master’s and Bachelor’s degree diplomas and official transcripts.
- Portfolio of relevant work (computational projects, fabrication work, research outcomes, code/scripts).
- List of publications or writing samples (e.g., Master’s thesis, conference papers).
- Contact details of 2–3 academic or professional references.
For specific inquiries regarding the research project, contact Head of Centre, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni at ron@iti.sdu.dk.
Last Date for Application
- September 15, 2026, at 23:59 (CET/CEST)
