PhD scholarship in Predictive Human Digital Twins for Human-Centred Systems Engineering – DTU Construct

Are you interested in human-centred engineering at the intersection of biomechanics, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering, and want to build a strong methodological profile, this PhD position offers a unique opportunity – including the chance to help shape a new research group from the start.

At DTU Construct, you will develop methods that turn generic musculoskeletal models into personalised Human Digital Twins – based on sparse wearable sensor data instead of costly laboratory measurements or medical imaging – and assess how reliably they predict how a person moves and interacts with technical systems such as collaborative robots or assistive devices. The project is part of building up a new research group in Human-Centred Design within the Human-Centred Systems Engineering activities at DTU Construct. As part of the DTU PhD programme, you will follow PhD-level courses and contribute to teaching.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall purpose will be to develop and validate methods for personalising biomechanical Human Digital Twins from sparse sensor data, combining physics-based and data-driven approaches and quantifying the gap between simulation and reality (sim2real).

Your primary tasks will be to

• Develop methods for personalising musculoskeletal models from sparse multimodal sensor data.
• Combine physics-based and data-driven approaches for model calibration and prediction.
• Quantify and reduce the sim2real gap of Human Digital Twins.
• Plan and carry out experimental studies with human participants.
• Implement your methods in open, reusable software.
• Publish your results and collaborate with researchers at DTU and international partners.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with

• An MSc in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Design, or a related field.
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++).
• A background in simulation, optimisation, machine learning, sensor processing, or parameter estimation.
• A strong interest in computational modelling of humans and human-technology systems.
• Good communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Experience with musculoskeletal modelling (e.g. OpenSim, AnyBody, SCONE), motion analysis, or wearable sensing is an advantage.
• We do not expect you to master all of these areas – a solid foundation and the motivation to grow into the field matter most.

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 Jörg Miehling.

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

www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 March 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 Jörg Miehling, jormi@dtu.dk (please mention “PhD Position Inquiry” in your email subject).

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk and the Section at www.construct.dtu.dk/sections/engineering-design-and-manufacturing-systems.

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 2 December 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
• A copy of your BSc thesis (in pdf)
• A copy of your MSc thesis (in pdf)
• A copy of your scientific articles (if any) published so far (in pdf)

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 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 technical services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, coastal and maritime engineering, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering systems design, design for sustainability, and thermal energy.

The Section of Engineering Design and Manufacturing Systems (EDM) advances the design of intelligent, resilient, and sustainable products and manufacturing systems, integrating systems engineering, modular architectures, robust and bio-inspired design, and AI-enabled engineering.

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.