Postdoc in experimental studies of phase behavior of ABC-miktoarm star block copolymers in thin films using GISAXS DTU Chemistry

A postdoc position affiliated with the project Packing Frustration in ABC Starblock Polymers is postdoc will primarily work at Roskilde University with small-angle x-ray ABC-miktoarm star blockcopolymer is a material where distinct polymers A B and C are connected to a common junction point. This sets topological constraints on the packingof the polymer chainsand thus on the nano-scale structures resulting from microphase overall focus of the project is to study how the detailed structureand chemistryof the individual blocks A B and C influence thenano-scale self-organization behavior in thin films on a substrate. The project involvesstructuralstudies ofthin films of specifically designedABC-stars synthesizedby a PhD studentin the group ofKristoffer Almdal (position announced simultaneously) and studied using Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS) in the group of Dorthe Posselt RUCSAXS Roskilde project has a fundamental research focus but thin films with tailored nano-scale structures have potential applications in e.g. nano-lithography photonics and membranes.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main experimental method is GISAXS both ex-situ and in-situ during solvent vapor annealing. At RUCSAXS an advanced setup for such in-situ studies is available. The postdoc is expected to participate in the development of GISAXS data analysis methods and is responsible for analyzing the data obtained. The postdoc will also prepare and characterize the thin films studied using e.g. spin coating and AFM.

The optimal candidate will preferably have several of the following qualifications:

• Experience withx-ray (SAXS GISAXS) and/or neutron scattering (SANS GISANS)
• Experience with analysis of SAXS and/or GISAXS data
• Experience with image analysis
• Experience with coding and high-performance computing for example in python C etc.
• Experience with polymer and/or block copolymer physics and/or chemistry
• Experience with experimental soft matter self-assembly studies

We seek a highly motivated and selfdriven individual who is also a strong team player thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and demonstrates excellent collaborative skills.

The postdoc will interact with both experimentalists and theorists involved with the cross-institutionalproject Packing Frustration in ABC Starblock willbe formallyemployed at DTU primary workplace will be in Dorthe Posselts group at RUCSAXS Roskilde University.

The overall project is conducted in collaboration with groups at Department of Science and Environment at Roskilde University and the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of project is both crossdisciplinary and crossinstitutional and we place a strong emphasis on excellent communication skills in English at all levels. Teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students will be part of thepostdocsresponsibilities.

As a formal qualificationthe postdoc must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 is2 years and 9 months.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Kristoffer Almdal; ; 45 and Dorthe Posselt 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 atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted asone PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attachall your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
• List of publications
• 2 recommendation letters or full contact information of 2 academic references
• Documentation of skills in written and spoken English

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age genderdisability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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 a long-standing effort studying self-organization phenomena in block copolymers most recently and continuing with the present project focused on ABC-star polymer systems. The recent discovery of complex crystal phases and quasicrystals in diblock copolymersinspired the project.

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 main research area of Dorthe Posselt is structure and dynamics of soft matter self-assembling systems in particular thin films. Sheis heading FRUSTMI (RUC Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions) andRUCSAXS (Roskilde University Interdisciplinary X-rayScattering Hub. RUCSAXS is aXenocs Xeuss 3.0 UHR XLinstrument equipped with an Eiger 2R 1 M University is renowned for its interdisciplinary problem-based project learning (PPL) model with exemplary projectsmainly in physics and physical chemistry being supervised by Dorthe Posselt and group members.

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