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 available. The postdoc will primarily work at Roskilde University with small-angle x-ray scattering. An ABC-miktoarm star block copolymer is a material where distinct polymers A, B, and C are connected to a common junction point. This sets topological constraints on the packing of the polymer chains and thus on the nano-scale structures resulting from microphase separation.The overall focus of the project is to study how the detailed structure and chemistry of the individual blocks A, B and C influence the nano-scale self-organization behavior in thin films on a substrate. The project involves structural studies of thin films of specifically designed ABC-stars synthesized by a PhD student in the group of Kristoffer Almdal (position announced simultaneously) and studied using Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS) in the group of Dorthe Posselt, RUCSAXS, Roskilde University. The 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 with x-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 self‑driven 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-institutional project Packing Frustration in ABC Starblock Polymers. You will be formally employed at DTU Chemistry. Your primary workplace will be in Dorthe Posselt’s 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 Copenhagen. The project is both cross‑disciplinary and cross‑institutional 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 the postdoc’s responsibilities.

As a formal qualification, the 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 is 2 years and 9 months.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Kristoffer Almdal, kral@dtu.dk; +4520915852; +45 45258144 and Dorthe Posselt, Dorthe@ruc.dk, +45 24282725, +45 46742607.

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk//english/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – 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 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:

• 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, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Kristoffer Almdal's 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 copolymers inspired 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 https://www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/-/media/institutter/kemi/omos/annualreports/highlight2022final.pdf

The main research area of Dorthe Posselt is structure and dynamics of soft matter self-assembling systems, in particular thin films. She is heading FRUSTMI (RUC Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions) and RUCSAXS (Roskilde University Interdisciplinary X-ray Scattering Hub. RUCSAXS is a Xenocs Xeuss 3.0 UHR XL instrument equipped with an Eiger 2R 1 M detector. Roskilde University is renowned for its interdisciplinary, problem-based project learning (PPL) model, with exemplary projects mainly in physics and physical chemistry being supervised by Dorthe Posselt and group members.

https://ruc.dk/en/research-centre/centre-frustrated-molecular-interactions 

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