Two PhD positions in Functional Polymer Composites for Skin Applications: 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Two industrial PhD positions within functional composites for skin applications are available at Riemann A/S and Coloplast A/S, Denmark, with scientific enrolment at the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The positions will be available from 1st of May 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. The PhD students will be part of the project “SROT” (Smart sweat removal from human skin for prolonged ostomy bag adhesion and increased substantivity of topical formulations) which is funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and the project partners. The overall aim of this project is to develop a novel technology for smart sweat removal from skin surfaces over a hydrophobic polymer matrix or topical film without compromising its functionality. Apart from the research work itself, the students’ participation in the project will involve tight collaboration with all project partners, frequent visits to the different involved labs and active participation in meetings and network events.

About the project partners in SROT
Riemann is a Danish mid-sized company that develops, manufactures and sells functional topicals. The company is situated in modern production facilities in Hillerød with a separate R&D lab placed in the Science and Technology Park SCION DTU in Hørsholm. Riemann’s key markets are in Europe, but the company is also establishing distribution networks in several other geographies across the globe. In Riemann we reach our objectives through interdisciplinary teamwork between highly dedicated and competent colleagues to achieve best-in-class product performance and quality. See more at www.riemann.com

Coloplast is a large Danish company that develops products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Working closely with the people who use our products, we create solutions that are sensitive to their special needs. We call this intimate healthcare. Our business includes Ostomy Care, Continence Care, Wound & Skin Care and, Urology Care. We operate globally and our organisation is more than 10,000 people strong. See more at www.coloplast.com

DTU Chemistry is an internationally recognized department for advanced fundamental and applied chemistry that develops and transforms ideas to the benefit of sustainable societal development. In the group of Polymers and Functional Interfaces the research is focused on fundamental and applied colloidal and surface chemistry including design and studies of thin films and polymer coatings with build-in functionalities. See more at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english and http://www.kemi.dtu.dk/EsbenThormann

PhD position 1 (at Riemann A/S)
This PhD project focuses on the identification of polymeric material with good water transporting but moderate swelling capacities for the purpose to be incorporated in topical films. Investigation of the surface activity and distribution of the composites components together with characterization of the topical film integrity are of high focus in order to obtain an optimal water transport system without compromising the functionality of the topical film. The project involves establishments of mechanical, analytical and clinical methodologies suitable for the characterization of film homogeneity and substantivity of topically applied formulations.

PhD position 2 (at Coloplast A/S)
This PhD project focuses on the identification of polymeric material with good water transporting but moderate swelling capacities for the purpose to be incorporated in adhesive polymer formulations. The surface activity and distribution of the material have to be investigated and relationships between water uptake, water transport and skin-adhesive properties will be characterized.

Qualifications
Applicants should hold a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or equivalent. Experience with physical chemistry of polymers, polymer composites, polymer coatings and surface chemistry as well as with some analytical techniques for characterization of material and interfaces will be advantageous. The applicant should have a strong interest in working in a cross-disciplinary environment and should have very good collaboration skills. Fluent communication skills in written and spoken English are essential. The applicant should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard working. Only applicants with great talent, who seek to be among the brightest in their field, will be considered.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
The assessment will be made by the researchers at supervisory board from DTU Chemistry, Riemann and Coloplast.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary will be set in the contract between the two involved companies and the candidate but will at least match the collective agreement on current salaries for PhD students employed by the Danish state. The salary for PhD fellows employed in the state is determined by seniority.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Esben Thormann (esth@kemi.dtu.dk), Malene Barré Pedersen (mbp@riemann.dk) or Kristoffer Hansen (dkkrh@coloplast.com).

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 19 February 2017.

Apply at www.career.dtu.dk

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file.

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for” please indicate which project you are applying for (title from PhD projects list or individual research projects list above).

The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here – in the right hand column)
• A personal statement (up to 2 pages) about the applicant’s experience, interests and career goals

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,600 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.

Don't forget to mention Naturejobs when applying.

Job details

Employer:Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Website:http://www.dtu.dk/english/career

Location:Anker Engelunds Vej 1, Building 101A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Expires:February 19, 2017

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Contract

Job hour:Full-time