PhD scholarship in Synthesis of and phase behaviour in ABC-miktoarm star block copolymers
This PhD-project will educate you as an expert in the physics and chemistry of polymeric self-organization phenomena. The PhD-project at DTU Chemistry is affiliated with the project Packing Frustration in ABC Starblock Polymers and the focus of the project is to study how the detailed structure of the individual block A, B and C influences the self-organization behavior. An ABC star block polymer is a material where polymer A, B, and C is connected to a common point. The project involves the study of a carefully chosen selection of ABC-stars as well as the synthesis of these materials. The synthesis will be conducted by the PhD-candidate and - depending on the PhD-candidate - possibly in collaboration with other employees in the project. The synthesis of these materials is relatively complicated and advanced analysis is required to ensure that the planned molecules have actually been synthesized. The properties of the ABC-stars and especially the structures formed will be studied. We are interested in establishing understanding of the relation between molecular properties - polarity and conformation - and the structures of the bulk ABC-star material. In the beginning of the PhD focus will be availability and characterization of ABC stars but as the project moves forward the focus will shift towards the structures formed.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary task is the characterization of newly synthesized of ABC star block copolymer designed to test how the molecular characteristics of the polymers ABC influence the formation and structure of ordered phases in the bulk ABC stars. The work includes the chemical characterization of the ABC stars including analysis of impurities of the ABC stars with e.g. AB diblock copolymers. You will also have a task in the physical characterization the ABC star e.g., with respect to transition from ordered to disordered state - typically investigated with rheology - and the structure og the ABC star sample - typically using electron microscopy and small-angle-X-ray scattering.
We are looking for a candidate with strong skills within chemical synthesis - ideally polymer synthesis using ionic synthesis methods: However, skills within inorganic or organic synthesis is regarded as a good starting point for engaging in and learn polymer synthesis. Furthermore, interest in physical chemistry or solid state physics is welcome.
You will primarily work at DTU Chemistry. However, the overall project is conducted in collaboration with groups at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen and Department of Science and Environment at Roskilde University and you should expect that some experiments regarding structural characterization of ABC star bulk and surface structures will take place at the collaborating institutions.
Teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students is also a responsibility.
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 applicants will done by professor Kristoffer Almdal and a colleague at DTU Chemistry.
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 scholarship is a full time position and will be available as early as possible.
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 Professor Kristoffer Almdal, [Email Address Removed] (+45 20915852/+45 45258144)
You can read more about “the Department” at https://www.kemi.dtu.dk or 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 3 March 2023 (Danish time).
Apply at: PhD scholarship in Synthesis of and phase behaviour in ABC-miktoarm star block copolymers
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
- 2 recommendation letters or full contact information of 2 academic references
- List of publications and presentations
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.
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 project is inspired by the recent discovery of complex crystal phases and quasicrystals in diblock copolymers.
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