PhD scholarship in the chemistry of 3D tomographic printing DTU Chemistry

If you seek to educate yourself in the fields of primarily the chemistry but also the material science of 3D-printing we offer an excellent opportunity to do that in a project where we are pushing the limits of what is feasible in term of print fidelity. We are investigating the potential of dual wavelength tomographic 3D-printing to generate better fidelity and property modulation in 3D.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your responsibilities will be to investigate the chemistry in the 3D printing process with emphasis on initiators and inhibitors covering both characterization of existing molecules and synthesis of new candidate molecules

In the project Towards Multiscale Free-Form Manufacturing Employing Tomograpic Polyspectral Reconstruction (ToMaTo) we are working with the tomographic 3D printing methods. All parts of the object we want to produce are cured simultaneously. We are exploring the benefits of use two (or more) wavelength of light to achieve higher resolution or incorporating spacial property differences in the produced objects.

There are two modes of utilizing the dual wavelength one configuration you are exiting two different photoinitiators to initiate two different polymerization processes e.g. free radical and cationic this configuration you can cure two different polymers in principle independently and generate spacial property another configuration you use one wavelength to initiate polymerization e.g. following the free radical mechanism and you use the other wavelength to excite a photo-inhibitor that in the exited state inhibits the polymerization. We have shown theoretically that this mode will allow for substantial improvements in the fidelity of the printed object.

The main tasks of the project are:

• Familiarize yourself with the tomographic 3D-printing process
• Characterize existing photo-initiators and photo-inhibitors with respect to spectral properties
• Optimize the choice to the two photo-initiators or the photo-initiator photo-inhibitor pair with respect to the printing process
• Suggest and synthesize potential new photo-initiators and especially photo-inhibitors based on the knowledge gained in the optimization process
• Engage in teaching of BSc and MSc students both in courses and as co-supervisor of projects

We seek a candidate with

• Strong qualification within organic photochemistry
• Interest in additive manufacturing and especially the tomographic printing method
• a background in organic photo chemistry
• knowledge of polymer chemistry and physics
• interest in in additive manufacturing processes and especially 3D-tomographoc printing

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

We offer

• A PhD-education from a top technical university with specialization in polymer physics and chemistry PhD
• Embedding a scientific environment spanning from basic science to applications

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Kristoffer Almdal and Søren Kramer.

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.

The starting date will be as soon as possible after the selection process is finished.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Kristoffer Almdal(45 /45 )

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than1 January 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
• 2 recommendation letters or full contact information of 2 academic references
• List of publications and presentations

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters 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.

Kristoffer Almdals group is part of the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Section at DTU Chemistry. The group works in several areas. The core is to identify and synthesize (polymer) molecules that can answer specific questions often identified in cross-disciplinary collaborations. The group has within the last 10 years had interest in the chemistry of photoinitiated additive manufacturing processes

DTU Chemistry is responsible for the chemistry teaching at DTU at all levels. The research at DTU encompasses basic as well as applied research in a diversity of area. For recent highlights from the Department se for people
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