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

If you hold a PhD and want to take the next step towards an independent research career at the intersection of biomechanics, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering, this position lets you help shape a new research group from the start.

At DTU Construct, you will drive the development of Digital Twin Couples – coupled digital twins of humans and technical systems that predict how a specific person will interact with a product, an assistive device, or a robot, so that designs can be evaluated and optimised before physical prototypes are built – and, in the long term, systems can be tailored to their users throughout their use. 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, including a living lab for studying human-technology interaction under everyday conditions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall purpose will be to integrate personalised neuromusculoskeletal models with digital twins of products and technical systems, to predict movement, interaction forces, and user effort, and to validate these predictions experimentally.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop co-simulation methods that couple Human Digital Twins with digital twins of products, assistive devices, and robots.
• Develop hybrid physics-based and data-driven methods for predicting human-technology interaction.
• Design and lead validation studies with participants, including ethics applications.
• Help set up the group's living lab and lead the development of an open software framework.
• Contribute to teaching, co-supervise MSc students, and mentor junior researchers.
• Publish in leading journals and conferences and contribute to research proposals.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A PhD in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering Design, or a related field.
• A publication record in musculoskeletal modelling, human movement simulation, or a closely related field.
• Strong programming skills and hands-on experience with OpenSim, AnyBody, SCONE, or comparable tools.
• Experience with co-simulation, predictive simulation, design optimisation, or hybrid machine learning.
• Experience with experimental movement studies (e.g. motion capture, wearable sensors, EMG).
• Initiative, independence, and excellent communication skills in English.
• Experience with virtual product development, human-robot interaction, exoskeletons, or supervision is an advantage.

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 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 “Postdoc 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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 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 
• Academic diplomas (MSc and PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• A research statement (max. 2 pages) outlining your research experience and how you would contribute to the project
• Contact details of two references

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.