PhD Scholarship in Silicone Foam Research - DTU Chemical Engineering
Are you ready to take the next step in your scientific journey with a PhD?
At the Danish Polymer Centre, Technical University of Denmark, we are looking for a motivated PhD student to join our team. The project will focus on developing innovative silicone-based foams tailored for healthcare applications.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The project focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of silicone-based foams for innovative healthcare applications. Key tasks will include tailoring the chemistry and processing of silicone polymers to create controlled foam structures, followed by thorough characterization of their chemical, structural, and mechanical properties. You will work on understanding and optimizing foam properties such as porosity, elasticity, and biocompatibility in collaboration with other students and project partners.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and who communicates clearly in both written and spoken English. You should be ambitious, hardworking, and driven by a passion for scientific excellence.
Previous experience with silicone polymers, elastomers, or foam processing and characterization will be considered a strong advantage.
The ideal candidate will furthermore have expertise or background within one or more of the following areas:
- Synthesis and modification of silicone polymers, including crosslinking and tailoring of soft materials.
- Foam preparation and characterization, with experience in analysing porosity, microstructure, and density.
- Advanced analytical methods such as NMR, DSC, rheology, or mechanical testing applied to soft polymeric or biomedical materials.
- Educational background: MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science, with a focus on polymers, elastomers, or biomaterials.
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 .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Anne Ladegaard at qbryantalderek90snydergreg@kt.dtu.dkhenry.dkholt.dkaguilar-phillips.dk .
Here you can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering.
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 17 September 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.
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.
At DTU Chemical Engineering it is our mission to develop and utilize knowledge, methods, technologies, and sustainable solutions within: Chemical and biochemical process engineering and production, Design of chemical and biochemical products and processes, Energy and environment.
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 be