The Transport Division of the Department of Technology, Management and Economics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position starting on 1 October 2026 (or shortly thereafter).
The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Thomas Kjær Rasmussen and Professor Jeppe Rich. The position offers the opportunity to begin your career as a researcher, deepen your knowledge and skills across several disciplines, and gain international experience.
We are looking for highly qualified applicants with an MSc background in Operational Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or a related field, and with an interest in freight transport, modelling, network science, and data analysis.
The successful applicant will investigate how road freight networks are structured and how they change under electrification and road pricing, combining modelling and data-driven analysis.
BackgroundRoad freight transport is undergoing significant changes. In Denmark, the recently introduced Road Pricing scheme for trucks affects costs (higher per kilometre), while electrification affects both costs (often lower per kilometre) and operations (limited driving range and charging needs). Another emerging paradigm shift is vehicle automation. Although not currently operational in Europe, it is expected to become an increasingly relevant technology in the future. Together, these changes are likely to reshape how freight networks are designed, how firms operate, and the resulting costs and environmental impacts.
At the same time, new data sources are becoming available. In Denmark, the road pricing system for trucks provides detailed information on how the full fleet of vehicles moves across the network. This creates a rare opportunity to study freight systems based on real-world behaviour rather than assumptions.
Research focus The PhD project will investigate how freight networks evolve under electrification, road pricing, and potentially automation in some form, using a combination of modelling, simulation, and data analysis. The project is expected to address a selection of the following research questions. Not all questions will necessarily be explored — the successful candidate will help shape the final scope in dialogue with the supervisors.
Network structure and electrification:- When does technology become the binding constraint, such that battery range determines network structure?
- How do freight networks change when vehicles become cheaper to operate per kilometre?
- How much buffer capacity (e.g., range, time flexibility) is needed to handle uncertainty such as weather, disruptions, and congestion?
Industry and market organisation:- Will electrification reshape not just network structure but also industry organisation, including cooperation and competition between firms?
- How does the transition to electrification unfold across different types of operators and over time?
Vehicle automation in road freight transport:- Will it lead to further consolidation in the sector?
- How are road freight networks likely to be influenced and reshaped by automation?
Data and infrastructure:- Can freight network structures be inferred directly from large-scale GPS data?
- Where is public charging infrastructure most critical?
To answer these questions, you will collaborate closely with your supervisors as well as with other researchers and relevant external partners. Results are expected to be published in scientific journals and presented at conferences.
QualificationsThis PhD project sits at the intersection of operational research, economics, network modelling, and data analysis. The candidate should have a Master’s degree (MSc) in Operational Research, Transport Modelling, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or a closely related field, an interest in transport systems or logistics, and experience with data analysis, statistics, or machine learning. The candidate should have proficiency in at least one scientific programming language, preferably Python, and a good understanding of optimisation and mathematical programming is preferred, as well as a good understanding of economic modelling concepts and game theory. The candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical skills and curiosity about complex systems, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team, and good written and oral 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.
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.
We offerDTU 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 termsThe 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: 1 October 2026 (or shortly thereafter).
You can read more about
career paths at DTU here.
Further information Further information may be obtained from Thomas Kjær Rasmussen,
tkra@dtu.dk or Jeppe Rich,
rich@dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Management at
www.man.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. 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
1 August 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
- A 1-page motivation related to sustainability or relevant experience
- If possible, a 2-minute video presentation, where the student present her/himself and motivates her/his application. The video should be made available as a link and not send as a file.
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.
About usDTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 250+ employees with around half of staff coming from abroad. DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU 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.
