A PhD position affiliated with the project Packing Frustration in ABC Starblock Polymers is available. The PhD will primarily work with synthesis at DTU Chemistry. An ABC-miktoarm star block copolymer is a material where distinct polymers A, B, and C are connected to a common junction point. This sets topological constraints on the packing of the polymer chains and thus on the nano-scale structures resulting from microphase separation. The overall focus of the project is to study how the detailed structure and chemistry of the individual blocks A, B and C influence the nano-scale self-organization behavior in bulk and thin films on a substrate. The project involves of specifically designed ABC-stars that we expect to show interesting behavior. We have worked on this synthesis issue for some time and have made significant progress, but issues still remain that prevent us from producing exactly the material we need for our phase behavior studies.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary task is the synthesis and characterization of ABC star block copolymers designed to test how the molecular characteristics of the polymers A, B and C influence the formation and structure of ordered phases in the bulk and in thin films. Apart from the challenging synthesis of ABC stars, the work includes chemical characterization of the ABC stars including analysis of impurities, typically AB diblock copolymers, and purification when appropriate. An important task is the characterization of the synthesized ABC star block copolymers with respect to the transition from an ordered to a disordered state using rheology. The PhD student will also characterize the structure of the ABC star block copolymer samples using electron microscopy and possibly small-angle scattering techniques in collaboration with a postdoc that is announced simultaneously.
The optimal candidate will preferably have several of the following qualifications:
- strong skills within chemical synthesis - ideally polymer synthesis using ionic synthesis methods. However, skills within inorganic or organic synthesis will be regarded as a good starting point for engaging in and learning polymer synthesis.
- experience with electron microscopy
- interest and knowledge in physical chemistry or solid-state physics
You will primarily work at DTU Chemistry with some experiments taking place at the collaborating institutions.
The overall project is conducted in collaboration with groups at Department of Science and Environment at Roskilde University and the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen. The project is both cross‑disciplinary and cross‑institutional and we place a strong emphasis on excellent communication skills in English at all levels. The PhD student must take part in undergraduate teaching.
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 candidates will be conducted by Kristoffer Almdal, Robert Madsen and Esben Thormann.
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.
We look for a starting date in the late summer. The position is full time.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Kristoffer Almdal, kral@dtu.dk
; +4520915852; +45 45258144
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at https://www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/
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 June 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
- 2 recommendation letters or full contact information of 2 academic references
- Documentation of skills in written and spoken English
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.
Kristoffer Almdal's group is part of the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Section at DTU Chemistry. The group works in several areas. The core is to identify and synthesize (polymer) molecules that can answer specific questions often identified in cross-disciplinary collaborations. The group has a long-standing effort studying self-organization phenomena in block copolymers most recently and continuing with the present project focused on ABC-star polymer systems. The recent discovery of complex crystal phases and quasicrystals in diblock copolymers inspired the project.
DTU Chemistry is responsible for the chemistry teaching at DTU at all levels. The research at DTU encompasses basic as well as applied research in a diversity of area. For recent highlights from the Department se https://www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/-/media/institutter/kemi/omos/annualreports/highlight2022final.pdf
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-05-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/4ea0b81e-2ac8-40d8-94c4-957aa035164a
