PhD scholarship in Polymer Replication on Nanoscale in Denmark

At DTU Nanotech strong polymer nanofabrication capabilities have been established over the last four years through several highly profiled national and European research programs. These capabilities rest on a technology platform for cleanroom based synthesis and characterization of micro- and nanosystems, as the master originals are made with planar silicon MEMS and nanofabrication processes, such as electron beam lithography, UV and DUV lithography, wet and dry etching, and ion milling. Nanofabrication of topography functionalized polymer surfaces extend the application areas of planar silicon based technologies to new industrial areas, e.g. non-planar form factors of plastic products with nanostructured surfaces.

DTU has a strategic alliance with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, www.ntu.edu.sg.

The PhD studentship will be part of an ongoing research collaboration with NTU and part of the studies (6 months) will be performed at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, NTU, with Professor Lam Yee Cheong.

Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD studentship will comprise the following elements:

• Master origination in Si by use of state of the art nanolithography tools, such as electron beam lithography, UV and DUV lithography, dry and wet Si etching
  
• Electroforming of nickel shims from Si masters
  
• Polymer replication of master structures by means of injection molding, roll-to-roll replication, or nanoimprint lithography.
  
• Modelling of the polymer melt flow and the replication process on macro- and nano- scales
  
• Topological characterization of samples and intermediate formats by SEM, AFM, and optical interference profilometry
  
• Functional characterization of samples for e.g. wetting properties or color appearance
  
• Data analysis and comparison to theoretical models
  
• Dissemination of results by writing of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and presentations at conferences
  
• Teaching assistance and undergraduate student supervision; about 220 hours in total over 3 years will be requested from the student
  
• Coursework, summer- and winter-schools corresponding to 30 ECTS points must be included in the PhD studentship
  
• Participation and status update presentations at weekly group meetings, supervisor meetings, and general project meetings is anticipated from the student
  

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering.

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 of the applicants will be made by: Associate Professor Rafael Taboryski.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
Further information can be obtained from Associate Professor Rafael Taboryski, rata@nanotech.dtu.dk, tel.: +45 2144 4236.

You can read more about DTU Nanotech on www.nanotech.dtu.dk.

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 30 September 2014. 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. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
  
• Curriculum vitae
  
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
  
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
  

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

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

DTU Nanotech is a department at DTU, dedicated to conduct research, education and innovation within micro- and nanotechnology at the highest international level. We promote academic excellence by fostering a team-based scientific environment building on the passion, talent and skills of our international and cross-disciplinary staff. DTU Nanotech has around 215 people on its staff list of which 80 are PhD students and with 40 % international employees the department constitutes an international environment.

At DTU Nanotech, we exploit sciences across the traditional boundaries of technology enabling innovative solutions for the benefit of society. Micro- and nanotechnology is applied within the biomedical, life sciences, environment, energy, security, and sensing areas.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.


http://www.dtu.dk/Job/job?id=32da5f85-4745-4557-bf60-7b247bb6a0b8