The Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science group, responsible for scientific research at the National Museum of Denmark, has a vacancy for a Postdoc. The position involves practical and experimental research activities and communication of the results within the interdisciplinary project Healthy Plastics from Waste.
Healthy Plastics from Waste research project
The project Healthy Plastics from Waste aims to develop and produce a new type of bioplastic, where fossil fuels are replaced with paper-based waste such as paper cups, newspapers, cigarette butts and fibers from cotton clothing. The plastic will be converted into long-lasting products that benefit our health, e.g. water filters and toothbrush handles. The inspiration for the development of a new sustainable plastic comes from the 1920s, when the very first recipes for bio-based plastic were developed. Approximately 3,000 objects from this period are found in the National Museum's collections and will be used as source materials. In Healthy Plastics from Waste, the National Museum's researchers collaborate with external partners in sustainability, design and production with the aim of developing and optimizing the process from waste to prototypes of essential and sustainable products.
Healthy Plastic from Waste is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and led by the National Museum's research professor Yvonne Shashoua. The project began on 1 September 2024 and the Postdoc’s research will build on the first year’s results.
Job description
The Postdoc will
- develop and perform hands-on laboratory methods to convert purified waste cellulose into cellulose acetate plastics
- optimize these methods to improve sustainability, for example by replacing fossil-based additives and solvents with greener alternatives
- test and analyze the chemical and physical properties and long-term stability of the plastics
- explore ways to shape the plastics into prototype products
- present and explain their research to project teams, at conferences, and to non-specialist audiences
Qualifications and skills
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in polymer chemistry, polymer science or environmental chemistry. The successful applicant will have hands-on experience working with polymers and a solid theoretical background. Experience using FTIR spectroscopy to analyze polymer materials is expected, while experience with thermal analysis, microscopy, plastic processing techniques, or environmental impact assessment is advantageous. The candidate should work in a structured and analytical manner, communicate effectively in English, enjoy collaborating with others, and be willing to contribute to academic papers and funding applications.
Terms of salary and employment
The working hours are 37 hours a week. Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and The Academics Central Organization in Denmark and Circular concerning the job structure for academic staff with research responsibilities in archives, libraries, museums etc. under the Danish Ministry of Culture.
The appointment is for 2 years, starting 1st April 2026 or shortly thereafter.
The place of work is at the Danish National Museum’s Section for Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science in Brede, Kgs. Lyngby, north of Copenhagen.
Application procedure
The National Museum’s strives to create a working environment, where differences are not just tolerated, but actively promoted and valued. The National Museum therefore encourages all qualified, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.
We actively work on reducing bias in our recruiting process to ensure diversity in our work force and to ensure that we, based on professional and personal qualifications, hire the best qualified for the position. We therefore ask you to not enclose a photo in your CV.
The application is to be submitted in English and must include the following:
- Letter with motivation for the application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae, incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- List of publications (mark the publications sent in for evaluation)
- Copies of up to 3 publications to be considered in the assessment. Full copies must be sent by post or uploaded as pdf via the electronic recruitment system. Links to publications are not accepted.
- Copies of university exams, Master of Science and PhD certificates
- Transcript of university exams into English, if not written in English, Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
Applications must be sent via the electronic recruitment system on our website www.natmus.dk/job and uploaded by 7th February 2026.
The National Museum will set up an (internal) expert Assessment Committee to evaluate the applications. Qualified applicants will be invited for interviews in a panel set up by the National Museum.
For further information regarding the position, please contact Research Professor Yvonne Shashoua, phone +45 41206481 or email yvonne.shashoua@natmus.dk, or Head of Research Kristoffer Buck Pedersen, phone +45 41206317 og email kristoffer.buck.pedersen@natmus.dk.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
dagarbejde
-Arbejdsgiver:
Nationalmuseet Brede, I. C. Modewegsvej, 2800 Brede
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 07-02-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/6c363f02-3f1b-4d80-8809-5c0fc20962ba
