Technical University of Denmark - Postdoc(s) in Organic Industrial Coatings

Would you like to challenge the limits of organic coatings technologies for heavy-duty purposes towards a higher sustainability profile? – Then this might be a job for you. At CoaST Research Centre at DTUs Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible within the aim of improving the sustainability profile of organic heavy-duty coatings.



CoaST supports development, production and use of high performance organic coatings. Working along the whole value chain, our research activities cover organic, polymer based coating technologies from raw materials over formulation, test and characterization to production and application. You will contribute to the development of our expertise, and you will have the opportunity to make a personal impact on solving some of the most critical challenges organic coatings are facing.



We now offer you a unique possibility to join CoaST as a postdoc. The available positions will be within the areas listed below, but we also welcome you to propose your own research idea within the value chain of functional coatings from raw materials to end-product.



Coating formulation and production principles

Optimising the production line by i.e. turning towards in-line production and quality control will help save natural resources as well as reduce waste material and energy consumption. Formulation and test methods using mathematical modelling and prediction tools.



Fouling Control Coatings

Fouling Control is performed by specifically designed materials to remove or prevent biofouling from i.e. ship hulls, as bio fouling leads to operational downtime and increases energy use and damage on the hull structure. Traditionally, these coatings have been designed with toxic biocides and/or contribute to the waste of micro-plastic in our oceans; to stop this, alternative ideas are required for the new generation of anti-fouling coatings.



Anti-corrosive coatings

Corrosion can lead to structure failures that have dramatic consequences for humans and surrounding environments. The use of anti-corrosive coatings is crucial when it comes to protecting metal constructions against corrosion, such as pipelines, tunnels, ship ballast tanks, containers, off-shore wind turbines, etc. Our research on anti-corrosive coatings mainly covers development of novel and advanced anti-corrosive coatings, non-destructive coating performance evaluation, coating integrity management, and first and foremost understanding the fundamental mechanisms leading to coating failure.



Intumescent coatings

Intumescent coatings on steel structures swell during a fire to form an insulating layer, which protects the substrate from high temperatures. CoaST Research in this field covers both organic and inorganic intumescent coatings and concerns replacement of problematic compounds, mapping of the underlying intumescence mechanisms, and the design and formulation of entirely new technologies and development of faster and more reliable test methods.



Functional coatings

Functional coatings, in addition to protective and decorative properties, have special functions. Examples are catalytic coatings for air pollution control and insulation coatings for energy savings. Our research in this field is special for each type of coating and requires dedicated testing devices and formulation techniques.



New raw materials for coatings

Working along the entire value chain, we aim to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable raw materials to minimize the carbon footprint and improve the sustainability profile throughout the coating lifetime.



Waste recycling

We also do projects investigating how better to reuse the waste material from coating production and coating use.



Test methods

Reliable and fast test methods to optimize coating performance is of utmost importance in coatings development. We work on new test methods and optimisation of coatings formulation both through deterministic mathematical models and through use of artificial intelligence.



Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be on strengthening the department’s competences within fouling control coatings and optimizing the performance evaluation of fouling control coatings at the CoaST Maritime Test Centre.



You will work with close colleagues, and with both academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad. We expect you to:

• Perform research at the highest standards
• Supervise BSc, MSc student and PhD students
• Contribute to the strong international profile of CoaST at conferences, meetings etc.

You are high performing, visionary and thrive on turning exiting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. You have a natural flair for driving things forward on you own, and you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork.



As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, materials science engineering, coatings science or a closely related discipline in an area associated with coatings technology.



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. The starting date will be according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.



You can read more about career paths at DTU here.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Head of Department, Professor Kim Dam-Johansen, tel.: +45 4525 2845, kdj@kt.dtu.dk.  



You can read more about DTU 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.



Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 November 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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

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.



The Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) was established at the Technical University of Denmark, DTU, as per 1 January 2017, based on a generous donation by the Hempel Foundation. CoaST Research Centre supports development, production and use of high performance organic coatings. Working along the whole value chain, CoaST research activities cover organic, polymer based coating technologies from raw materials over formulation, test and characterization to production and application.



The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research covers separation processes, reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, heat transmission, fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, and especially a wide range of industrial companies.     



Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear ision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.