About The Role

Are you interested in combining learning and control to develop delay-adaptive control algorithms? In this fully funded PhD project, you will work at the intersection of model predictive control, adaptive modelling, and advanced dynamical systems and contribute to the rapidly changing landscape of adaptive control. At the same time, you will also help develop advanced control algorithms for safe operation of next-generation molten salt nuclear reactors under abnormal and critical conditions.

You will conduct your research in the section for Dynamical Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science under the supervision of Associate Professor Tobias K. S. Ritschel in collaboration with leading researchers from KAIST in South Korea, where you will also spend 3-6 months of the project.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will carry out many different tasks revolving around research, dissemination of research, and research-based teaching. Specifically, you will

Develop theory and practical algorithms for delay-adaptive model predictive control (MPC)
Design delay-adaptive MPC algorithms for safe operation of molten-salt nuclear reactors
Co-supervise MSc and BSc projects on delay-adaptive control and related topics
Participate in conferences and contribute to the scientific literature
Contribute to courses on stochastic adaptive control, advanced dynamical systems, and advanced time series analysis

You have a strong background in applied mathematics or similar (physics/electrical engineering/chemical engineering/etc.), and you’re interested in combining mathematical theory with practical algorithm development. Furthermore, you have experience with one or more of the following topics.

Systems and control theory
Dynamical systems and scientific computing/numerical methods
Stochastics and probability theory
Mathematical modelling (experience with nuclear physics is, however, not a prerequisite)
Programming (e.g., in Matlab, Python, Julia, or similar)

In addition to fulfilling the technical requirements, you are thorough in your work and have a critical mindset while also being curious and eager to interact with the other researchers at the department.

You must have a two-year master's degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, or engineering (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 will be based on an interview where we will discuss your qualifications, your interests, and your approach to academic work. We will also ask you to prepare a presentation of a scientific paper on a relevant topic and share your opinion on its content. The successful candidate will both have demonstrated sufficient academic qualifications and potential at the interview and have the skillset needed to undertake the scientifically challenging task of contributing to the field of delay-adaptive control.

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.

At DTU Compute, we have a large focus on creating a good working environment. Our work with diversity and inclusion is an essential part of that. We believe that having a good working environment is a necessary foundation to provide excellent research, teaching, supervision and innovation.

At DTU Compute, we have about 140 PhD students. We offer several events and activities for all our PhD students such as annual PhD Bazaar, onboarding course where you will meet other PhD students, and you can join our PhD Club that organizes BBQs, board games events, lunches etc.

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk

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. The position is a full-time position. Starting date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

For further information, please reach out to Assoc. Prof. Tobias K. S. Ritschel ( [email hidden] , people.compute.dtu.dk/tobk ).

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 16 September 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.

DTU Compute – Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance.

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.