Postdoc in 3D-Printed Lunar Regolith Antennas and Metasurfaces - DTU Space

Join DTU Space and help shape the future of lunar radio astronomy while advancing your research career in applied electromagnetics, antenna engineering, and space technologies.

At DTU Space, you will investigate the feasibility of utilizing lunar regolith as a manufacturing material for extremely large-aperture antennas on the far side of the Moon. Your research will focus on the development and characterization of regolith-based composite materials and their application to engineered metasurface reflectors for radio astronomy.

The research aims to enable lunar radio observatories capable of detecting signals from the early Universe that are inaccessible from Earth, while also supporting developments in deep-space communications and in-situ resource utilization.

About us
As part of the Division for Electromagnetic Systems, you will join a strong and internationally active research environment spanning electromagnetic radiation, propagation, and scattering. The division combines theoretical analysis, computational modelling, and high-quality experimental research supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong collaborations with academic, industrial, and governmental partners.

You will have access to the world-class DTU Electromagnetic Test Centre and excellent opportunities to publish in leading journals, build international collaborations, and participate in major scientific conferences.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will work within the framework of the LURELA project (3D Printed Lunar Regolith Extremely Large Aperture Antennas for Deep Space Observations). The project investigates the feasibility of using 3D-printed lunar regolith materials and metasurface concepts to realize extremely large-aperture antennas for future lunar radio astronomy missions.

You will collaborate closely with researchers from DTU Space and DTU Construct and engage with an international network of collaborators working within space systems, advanced manufacturing, electromagnetic materials, and radio astronomy.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Research and development of regolith-based composite materials
• Design, modelling, and optimization of regolith-based metasurface reflectors.
• Fabrication and experimental validation of prototype metasurfaces.
• Dissemination of scientific results through high-impact journals and international conferences
• Supervision of BSc and MSc student projects related to the research activities

Experimental activities will be conducted using state-of-the-art facilities at DTU Space, including our world-class DTU Electromagnetic Test Centre for high-accuracy antenna measurements, microwave testing, electromagnetic scattering analysis, and material characterization.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We are looking for a candidate with strong competencies in analytical, numerical, and experimental electromagnetics. We expect you to have experience in one or more of the areas: electromagnetic materials and material characterization; antenna design and RF measurements; metasurfaces; additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies.

We expect you to be self-motivated, scientifically curious, and capable of driving research activities independently. At the same time, you should possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, enabling you to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team and become an integral part of the LURELA project and the Division for Electromagnetic Systems.

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. 

The period of employment is 2 years.

Starting date is 1 March 2027. 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 Rasmus E. Jacobsen, Division for Electromagnetic Systems, DTU Space, rajac@space.dtu.dk, and Samel Arslanagić, Head of Division for Electromagnetic Systems, DTU Space, sar@space.dtu.dk 

You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.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.

Application procedure  
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 25 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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.
 

The DTU Space Institute has about 250 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark. We link natural science closely with the development of new technology. DTU Space is involved in the full life cycle of space activities, including concept and design, construction and prototyping, calibration and validation, implementation and operations, data analysis, processing, dissemination, and applications, leading to new instruments and applications. With the specialized, refined technology available, we are getting more and more answers and deeper insight into the Earth and the universe around us. We contribute to about 200 scientific publications a year. 

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.