项目介绍

2026年3月30日

Are you a talented and motivated student looking to join a world-leading research team?

We welcome candidates to contribute to the advancement of next-generation sustainable coatings through molecular dynamics simulations, with particular focus on molecular organization in coating matrices, water interactions and transport, and interfacial phenomena governing adhesion. The project will combine computational modelling with targeted experimental validation to establish structure–property relationships that support the design of more durable and sustainable coating technologies.

The position is scheduled to start on August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the appointment will be at the CoaST Research Centre within the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

Responsibilities and qualifications
Understanding coating performance requires insight into molecular and interfacial phenomena that are often difficult to resolve experimentally alone. This project will use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how coating components organize within complex matrices, how water interacts with and moves through coating networks, and how molecular-scale interactions influence adhesion to substrates. Selected experimental validation will be included to strengthen the connection between simulation results and coating performance.

If you share our passion and interest in forefront research at the interface of simulation, materials science, and coating technology, you might be the person we are looking for.

You must have a relevant education in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied chemistry, materials science, or a similar field. Building on this foundation, we will rely on your strong interest in molecular modelling, computational methods, and the physicochemical understanding of materials. In addition, you should be self‑motivated and enthusiastic about scientific computing and interdisciplinary research.

We also expect a high level of soft skills, including teamwork, research center activities, department activities, reporting, and scientific presentations.

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 Assistant Professor Narayanan Rajagopalan, naraj@kt.dtu.dk.  

You can read more about DTU’s Department of Chemical and Bio-chemical Engineering at 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 1 May 2026 (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.