PhD scholarship in Polymer Innovations for Transparent Antifouling Coatings in Marine Technology – DTU Chemical Engineering

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are set to transform marine applications, necessitating innovative technologies. The Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Research Center (CoaST) at Denmark Technical University (DTU) seeks candidates for a fully funded PhD position in Polymer Innovations for Transparent Antifouling Coatings in Marine Technology. The objective is to develop coatings for underwater cameras, solar cell farms, and oceanographic instruments, ensuring long-term fouling protection while maintaining optical clarity. 

Highlighting the crux of the challenge, conventional antifouling coatings, while effective, often introduce color, posing a unique hurdle in achieving both transparency and fouling resistance within a single coating. The research journey, deeply rooted in polymer science, seeks to discover innovative mechanisms to overcome this complication. By investigating into the complexities of polymer interactions, molecular arrangements, and surface functionalities, the study aims to engineer coatings that integrate transparency with robust fouling resistance. Beyond transforming UUVs, the outcomes of this research endeavor promise to significantly reduce the need for intermittent cleaning during the coatings' lifetime.

Conducting field tests for the formulated coatings is imperative in both Denmark and international waters, requiring essential travels and extended stays (including the US but not limited to). This essential aspect of the project entails the hands-on evaluation of the coatings' performance in real-world marine environments, ensuring their efficacy and adaptability to diverse conditions. As part of this field-testing phase, you will engage in on-site assessments, collaborating with experts to validate the coatings' functionality and durability on a global scale.

Why Join Us?

At CoaST, we are committed to addressing the global challenges of coating technologies with a focus on sustainability. As a member of our vibrant and interdisciplinary research community, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and a supportive network of experienced researchers. Our collaborative environment encourages scientific curiosity, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Eligibility

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, chemistry, or materials science.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to embark on a research career or an experienced professional seeking a transition to the world of research, we encourage you to apply.

To excel in this role, you should be highly motivated, possess excellent problem-solving skills, hands-on practicality, and have a keen interest in antifouling coatings and polymer science. Prior experience in coatings research, polymer science, and knowledge of surface chemistry will be advantageous. We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in the following disciplines including but not limited to Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Applied Chemistry, and Materials Science.

Join CoaST, Make a Difference

By joining CoaST at DTU, you will become part of a dedicated team that strives to revolutionize the coatings industry for a sustainable future. Denmark Technical University, renowned for its cutting-edge research and collaborative environment, provides an ideal platform to turn your passion for coatings science into reality. At CoaST, you will become part of a well-functioning group of nearly 50 people, of which 30 are PhD students. With more than 15 nationalities, our working environment is international, intercultural and including. Our working language is English. Anticipate a dynamic international ambiance within a premier research facility, complemented by state-of-the-art infrastructure and immersed in interdisciplinary excellence.

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 May 1, 2024. 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 can be obtained from Narayanan Rajagopalan (narajkt.dtu.dk

) and Søren Kiil (skkt.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 28 February 2024 (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

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.