If you are establishing your career as scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. At DTU Chemical Engineering you will engage in research leading to sustainable coating solutions.
The performance of solventborne coatings for heavy duty protection of steel structures is superior to that of waterborne systems. However, when considering sustainability and health issues, waterborne coatings are a better choice, and the industry is moving towards solvent-free and waterborne coatings. One of the challenges for waterborne epoxy primers is that of coating-substrate adhesion and the associated surface tolerance. In general, the adhesion to steel is lower than for the equivalent solventborne products, especially when the surface preparation is not properly done or problematic.
The problem you will be solving
The primary aim of the project is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of what reduces the adhesion force between the coating and substrate for waterborne (WB) products compared to solvent-borne (SB) products. The project aims at both understanding the effect of the coatings and/or substrates chemical interface structure together with the wetting behavior of the coating during wet-coat application. Another common problem of WB systems is their lower tolerance to surface impurities compared to SB systems, hence, understanding driving forces behind the sensitivity of WB systems towards different surface roughness’s and impurities on the substrate is also a focus point.
On a daily basis, you will be working together with a post doc in the field. The project is a collaboration between Hempel A/S (neighbor to DTU) and The CoaST group at DTU Chemical Engineering.
You are
A candidate with 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 (e.g.: a MSc degree equivalent to at least 5 years of studies including a BSc degree) in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry or materials science.
You are a newly graduated graduate or you might have experience from industry and a strong desire to turn towards research. We expect you to be able to handle and have an interest in experimental laboratory and formulation work. Experience with coatings may be an advantage.
You are high performing, visionary and thrive on turning exiting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. You have a natural flair for driving things forward on your own, and you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork.
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.
At CoaST you will become part of a well-functioning group of nearly 50 people, of which 30 are PhD students. We strive for a high academic level without compromising on a good working environment. With more than 15 nationalities, our working environment is international, intercultural and including. Our working language is English.
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 .
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.
The starting date will be according to mutual agreement, but at the earliest 1 October 2023. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor, Søren Kiil, phone: +45 45252827, sk@kt.dtu.dk .
You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering and CoaST at www.kt.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 12 June 2023 (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)
- A research proposal within the subject (1 page)
- 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.
The Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) was established at the Technical University of Denmark, DTU, as per 1 January 2017, based on a generous donation by the Hempel Foundation. CoaST Research Centre supports development, production and use of high performance organic coatings. Working along the whole value chain, CoaST research activities cover organic, polymer based coating technologies from raw materials over formulation, test and characterization to production and application.
The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research covers separation processes, reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, heat transmission, fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, and especially a wide range of industrial companies.
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 13,500 students and 6,000 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.