PhD scholarship in Polymers and functional interfaces

A 3-year PhD scholarship in experimental studies of polyelectrolyte-based functional coatings and hydrogel systems is available at the Department of Chemistry. The project will be under supervision of Professor Esben Thormann and the position is available from February 15th , 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. The project is fully funded by DTU through a partnership programme meaning that part of this project should be carried out at KTH in Stockholm (Sweden).

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project will focus on specific ion effects in polyelectrolytes systems and how ion-pairing can affect structure and functionality of polyelectrolyte materials. E.g., changes in chemical structure of charged monomers, different polymer architectures and different types of counterions can be used to tune material properties of coating and hydrogels. In this project we will primarily focus on the understanding of ion mobility and anti-freezing properties of such systems. The project will contain a part focusing on synthesis of polymer materials, a part focusing on the physicochemical characterization of these polymer systems and finally a part focusing on studies of material functionality.

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 in physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, soft matter or equivalent. Candidates who have experience with synthesis of polyelectrolytes, surface grafting techniques and/or characterization techniques like EIS, AFM, QCM-D and ellipsometry will be preferred. You should further be highly motivated, able to work independently and should be confident in both written and spoken English. As the project is a part of DTU’s partnership programme, any candidate should be prepared to work at KTH in Stockholm for a 3-6 months period of the project. You should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard working. Only applicants with great talent, who seeks to be among the brightest in their field, will be considered.

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 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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Esben Thormann, tel.: +45 53828118, email: esth@kemi.dtu.dk

You can read more about the Group of Polymers and Functional Interfaces at www.kemi.dtu.dk/EsbenThormann

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
Please submit your online application no later than 1December 2022 (Danish time). Interested candidates are encouraged to send their application as early as possible as the applications will be evaluated continuously as they come in.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.