PhD scholarship in Polymer Synthesis by use of… at Technical… · Kgs.…

PhD scholarship in Polymer Synthesis by use of CRP Techniques - DTU Chemical Engineering

Location: Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

If you are excited by using advanced polymerization techniques to create innovative materials and move fundamental research closer to practical applications, this could be the PhD project for you.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The objective of this PhD project is to develop advanced polymer synthesis strategies for the preparation of functional polymers and block copolymers using controlled polymerization techniques. The project will focus on precision polymer synthesis, molecular design, and establishing structure-property relationships in next-generation functional materials.

You will design and synthesize novel polymer architectures using controlled radical polymerization methods such as ATRP and RAFT, characterize the resulting materials using a broad range of analytical techniques, and contribute to the development of scalable polymerization methodologies. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers from complementary disciplines and may involve proof-of-concept demonstrations of selected functional materials.

We are therefore looking for you with:

• Practical experience in polymer synthesis obtained through MSc studies or equivalent research activities.
• A strong interest in controlled polymerization, macromolecular engineering, and functional materials.
• Practical experience with ATRP, RAFT, or related controlled radical polymerization techniques. Such experience is highly desirable.
• Experience with silicone chemistry or silicone-containing materials, which will be considered an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques such as NMR, SEC/GPC, FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, or mechanical testing.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines.
• An interest in teaching and supervising student projects as part of the PhD programme.

The project is expected to generate new knowledge in advanced polymer synthesis and lead to the development of well-defined functional block copolymers for future high-performance material applications.

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.

Assessment
The assessment of the applications will be conducted immediately after the deadline and we expect to call for interviews in October 2026.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

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 Anders E. Daugaard, adt@kt.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Chemical engineering at www.kt.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 13 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A table providing an overview of your prior experience in polymer synthesis (method and application) and characterization methods you are familiar with (both in practice and theory)

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 Chemical Engineering conducts experiments at microscale, at laboratory scale, in pilot facilities and at industrial scale. The department enjoys a very close and mutually beneficial relationship with Danish-based industrial enterprises as well as leading universities and enterprises from all over the world.

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.