PhD scholarship in Polymer Physical Chemistry - DTU Chemistry

A 3-year PhD scholarship in experimental and theoretical studies of polyelectrolytes is available at the Department of Chemistry. The project will be supervised by Professor Esben Thormann and is expected to start on April 15th or as soon as possible thereafter.

The PhD project will focus on investigating the coupling between polyelectrolytes and their counterions. Polyelectrolytes are polymers with ionic groups attached to their chains, accompanied by an equal number of counterions that ensure overall charge neutrality. In a hydrated polyelectrolyte system, these counterions typically dissociate from the polymer chains, and their mobility largely determines key properties such as chain hydration, chain conformation, intermolecular interactions, and transport properties. However, the effective charge density of the polymer chains and the mobility of their counterions can be significantly reduced if the counterions and ionic groups interact strongly enough to form ion pairs.

The objective of this project is to deepen our understanding of ion pairing in hydrated polyelectrolyte systems - knowledge that could be crucial for the development of polyelectrolyte-based materials in energy storage and conversion, healthcare, and coating technologies.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with a postdoc who will be responsible for synthesizing monomers and polyelectrolytes and performing their initial characterization. The PhD candidate will focus on experimental studies of polyelectrolyte-counterion pairing and the development of a theoretical model to explain these phenomena. The theoretical work will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Cagliari in Italy, and the applicant should therefore be prepared to spend 3 to 6 months of the PhD project in Cagliari.

The ideal candidate should hold a Master's degree in physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, soft matter science, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in polymers or ionic systems and/or expertise in characterization techniques such as NMR, conductivity measurements, ellipsometry, and various spectroscopic methods, as well as theoretical modeling. The candidate should be highly motivated, capable of working independently, and proficient in both written and spoken English. Applicants should strive for scientific excellence, demonstrate ambition, and work diligently. Only those with exceptional talent and a strong aspiration to be among the brightest in their field will be considered.

The formal requirements are:

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 . 

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.

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 Esben Thormann (www.kemi.dtu.dk/EsbenThormann)

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 18 March 2025 (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
• Grades list from Bachelor and Master programs 

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.

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.