Are you excited about combining optical imaging, machine learning, and marine coating science to solve real-world sustainability challenges?

We invite you to apply for this interdisciplinary PhD project at the Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST), DTU Chemical Engineering.

You will develop the next generation of automated methods for assessing marine biofouling on coated test panels exposed at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested (https://maps.app.goo.gl/A3ZRuNUnC8cwQpLz7). The project builds on a recently developed underwater imaging and analysis pipeline and will take it further by improving robustness, automation, and image-based fouling quantification across large experimental datasets. You will also explore new optical and data-driven approaches for detecting biofouling at earlier stages, potentially before visible macrofouling develops, and use these methods to study how fouling forms, changes, detaches, and regrows on functional coating surfaces under realistic marine exposure conditions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to develop, validate, and apply automated optical methods for quantitative biofouling assessment. This will require a combination of strong programming skills, a good understanding of imaging and image processing, and a practical hands-on mentality. You will work with underwater camera systems installed at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested, develop robust analysis pipelines for large image datasets, and explore new methods for detecting and quantifying early-stage fouling and fouling dynamics on coating surfaces.

A successful project will require both technical depth and curiosity across disciplines. You do not need to be an expert in all areas from the beginning, but you should be motivated to work at the interface between optical imaging, machine learning, experimental marine testing, chemical engineering, and coating science.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and improving automated image analysis workflows for marine biofouling assessment
• Processing large image datasets from underwater exposure tests at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre in Hundested
• Applying and developing machine learning methods, such as classical machine learning, random forests, neural networks, or segmentation models, for fouling detection and quantification
• Improving the robustness, automation, and quality control of existing analysis pipelines
• Contributing to the development, testing, and maintenance of underwater imaging systems
• Exploring new optical and data-driven methods for earlier detection of biofouling, including the detection of weak, thin, or early-stage fouling layers
• Using the developed methods to study biofouling processes such as growth, regrowth after cleaning, detachment, and fouling release during static and dynamic testing
• Collaborating with researchers, technicians, and students across coating science, marine testing, imaging, and data science
• Disseminating your work through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences
• Supervising BSc and MSc student projects
• Completing PhD courses and teaching assistant work as part of the DTU PhD programme
• Contribute to the general development of the research centre

We are looking for highly motivated and academically strong candidates who have:

• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python
• Experience with image analysis, computer vision, scientific imaging, or signal processing
• Interest in machine learning and data-driven research
• A practical, hands-on mindset and motivation to work with experimental equipment and real-world measurement systems
• Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research environment
• Good communication skills in English

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, preferably in an engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical or chemical engineering).

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 Jochen Dreyer based on the application documents, alignment of the candidate with the mentioned qualifications, and the impressions during the interview.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 October 2026 (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 can be obtained from Jochen Dreyer, [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering and CoaST at www.kt.dtu.dk/english. To take a virtual tour of the CoaST labs, visit https://virtual.kt.dtu.dk/CoaST-labs/.

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 19 July 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

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.

The Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) was established at the Technical University of Denmark, DTU, as per 1 January 2017, based on a generous donation by the Hempel Foundation. CoaST Research Centre supports development, production and use of high performance organic coatings. Working along the whole value chain, CoaST research activities cover organic, polymer based coating technologies from raw materials over formulation, test and characterization to production and application. By joining CoaST you will become part of a highly ambitious young research team under continuous development and establishment. Our group includes around 25 PhD students and a total of about 55 members, creating a colorful and collaborative community. With more than 12 nationalities represented, we offer a truly international and intercultural environment where English is our shared working language.

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research covers separation processes, reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, heat transmission, fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, and especially a wide range of industrial companies.

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.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-07-19T21:59:00+00:00