Postdoc in Focusing Neutron Optics

Are you motivated by physics challenges that, if they are solved, may have a large impact on what science can be done in the future? Do you master the principles of optics? Are you motivated by solving experimental designs combining analytical approaches and computer simulations? Are you inspired by designing challenging neutron instruments?

This postdoc project is part of a research project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, where we will develop and implement a focusing neutron optics prototype. Neutrons are inherently excellent probes for materials science and biotechnology; however, neutron scattering and imaging studies are strongly flux-limited. Our aim is to develop a neutron optics prototype, a so-called nested Wolter condenser, to increase the flux for a vast range of neutron methods by up to a factor 100. The optics is inspired by the X-ray thin film technology used in telescopes by NASA and ESA. In Europe, such X-ray optics is produced by DTU Space spin-out CHEXS. Our consortium, comprising DTU Energy, DTU Physics, CHEXS, the European Spallation Source (ESS), the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), and the Institute Laue Langevin (ILL), will transfer this technology to a focusing neutron condenser. The ultimate goal of the full research project is to demonstrate the functionality of the neutron focusing optics by imaging a real sample where the increased neutron flux is crucial, for instance, following in real time the fast charge-discharge cycles of a Li-ion battery.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This postdoc project will focus on defining the optimal design of the best-performing prototype nested Wolter mirror optics module to be fabricated by CHEXS. The experimental characterization of the components and the full mirror assembly with light, X-rays and neutrons will be performed in collaboration with the PhD student already working on the project.

You will apply ray-tracing simulations using existing components in McStas and also further develop components to include Wolter-optics-specific details. You will combine an analytical approach and computer simulations to be able to predict the best-performing neutron condenser design for a variety of white-beam and time-of-flight neutron imaging beamlines at large-scale facilities. In particular, you will develop a nested Wolter mirror component for McStas to realistically simulate the conical approximation geometry of the mirrors including shape and surface/interface imperfections, cross-talk etc. You will also explore the limitations and technological feasibility of the nested Wolter mirror optics as neutron condenser and eventually also as neutron objective, i.e. magnifying unit, thereby comprising a full neutron microscope based on Wolter optics.

Qualified applicants must have:

• Strong competences within solid state physics, astrophysics, materials science, solid state chemistry or similar.
• Strong competences within neutron and/or X-ray optics including reflectometry.
• Experience with ray-tracing simulations (for instance McStas or McXtrace) and/or wave propagation simulations (for instance multislice).
• Experience with data analysis performed using Python or similar.
• Personal drive and self-motivated.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Being able to work independently and in a team.

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 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 January 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 Professor Luise Theil Kuhn, luku@dtu.dk or phone +45 51419371, or Professor Henning Friis Poulsen, hfpo@dtu.dk . Applications cannot be sent to these e-mail addresses, only applications sent via the online link as described below will be considered.

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk/ and DTU Physics at https://physics.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 5 October 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
• A 1-page research vision
• The contact information for two potential references incl. name, position, e-mail, and phone number

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 Energy is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences in electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 330 dedicated employees. Additional information about the department can be found onhttp://www.energy.dtu.dk.

DTU Physics focuses on research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technology.

The Department is organized into nine research sections and three research centers, all world leading in respective research fields. The Department makes use of many experimental setups including our own facilities and several of our sections use large-scale research facilities in e.g. Lund, Grenoble, and Stanford. We are around 400 employees. Additional information about the department can be found onhttps://physics.dtu.dk/

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.