Student assistant: Machine learning for wood property prediction

Danish Technological Institute (DTI) is looking for a motivated student assistant to develop a machine learning model that estimates the mechanical strength and stiffness of wooden beams based on visual data.
As our new student assistant, you will, among other things, participate in a research project on analysing the wood species Abies Grandis as a potential future building material. This entails tasks such as:

• Using mechanical test data and wooden beam images to create a machine learning pipeline to predict certain wood properties (e.g., strength)
• Troubleshooting issues with the predictions generated by the model: either in the physical setup of the data acquisition system or in the model.
• Working with data annotation of images when needed.

Furthermore, the job will involve general tasks in our laboratory, such as 4-point testing of wooden elements or other assistant tasks. The work may at times involve physically demanding tasks, such as handling lifting of beams. All tasks are carried out with proper equipment and safety in mind.

Machine learning-experienced student with interest in real world applications
You are probably a student within a scientific or engineering field with at least one year left of your studies. Both international and Danish students are welcome. The supervision will be in English.

You should be comfortable with programming in Python and have experience with machine learning. Knowledge of computer vision and deep learning in computer vision are a plus. The position offers a certain range in how the work is carried out, and in return, we expect you to take initiative and work independently.

We are wood specialists, not machine learning specialists. That is why we are seeking a proactive and communicative student assistant who can bridge the gap between our deep expertise in wood and the world of machine learning. It is an advantage if you know wood, but it is not a requirement.

Working conditions
The position starts on December 1st, 2025, or as otherwise agreed. Working hours are 10-12 hours per week, scheduled on two weekdays. We are, of course, flexible during exam periods in your studies. The position is limited to 6 months with the possibility for extension.

The job is based at the Danish Technological Institute in Taastrup. The location is easily accessible by public transport; buses run directly to the door, Høje Taastrup Station is close by, and parking can be provided on the property.

Wood and Biomaterials
You will be part of the Wood and Biomaterials centre that offers expert knowledge of wood and other bio-based materials to the building industry. We strive to be the construction industries preferred supplier in the EU for accredited testing – an ambition that is uniting our several advanced laboratories together with our application-oriented research in close collaboration with customers and other knowledge centres.

Contact
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact consultant Joanna Schalnat (+45 7220 2145). Please send your application as soon as possible.

Interviews will be held on an ongoing basis, latest until November, 10th 2025.

Application deadline: Apply no later than 10. November 2025

Location: Taastrup