Graphene is material with extraordinary physical and chemical properties, including optical transparency, high conductance, high mechanical strength and wear resistance, and chemical stability. The research alliance DA-GATE seeks to explore and exploit these properties for corrosive protection, transparent electronics and conducting inks, in collaboration with leading Danish universities and high-tech companies as well as international research institutions and companies.

DTU Nanotech conducts cross-disciplinary research where micro- and nanotechnology is applied to a wide range of scientific disciplines (electronics, mechanics, chemistry, optics, fluidics, medical and biotechnology) as well as applications.

Responsibilities and tasks 
DTU Nanotech offers a 3 year PhD scholarship to do research passivating graphene-based coating of graphene on flat and corrugated stainless steels for protection against corrosion and abrasion in harsh environments found in oil, gas and geothermal drill sites.

The work involves

• Construction, characterization, calibration and optimization of a parameter-controlled CVD system for growth of graphene on stainless steel
• Realistic test methods to assess the anticorrosive, antiabrasive and structural properties of the graphene methods
• Experimental characterisation of graphene-based coatings using SEM, TEM, Raman and electrochemical methods
• Development of coatings to improve performance and durability in harsh and abrasive environments.
• Development of scalable routes for large-area graphene-based coatings.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in engineering, physics or chemistry, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in :

• Graphene growth and transfer processes, and process optimisation
• Experimental equipment : building, calibration, optimisation, maintenance
• Relevant graphene characterisation techniques (Raman spectroscopy, SEM, AFM)
• Cleanroom work
• Corrosion-prevention, passivating coatings
• Electrochemistry: transfer processes, corrosion characterisation and data analysis

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.

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 may be obtained from Peter Bøggild, email: peter.boggild@nanotech.dtu.dk (please write “DAGATE PhD 2” as subject).

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

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

Application
We must have your online application by April 3, 2013.

Applications must be submitted as one 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 – the Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology – is situated in the northern part of Copenhagen. DTU Nanotech is a centre of excellence in micro- and nanotechnology utilising sciences across the traditional boundaries of technology, thereby enabling innovative solutions for the benefit of society. DTU Nanotech has approx. 220 staff members. With 40 % international employees, the department constitutes an international environment.

http://www.job.dtu.dk/English.aspx?guid=46c14314-c277-4bbf-8d7e-61e210f18829