About the opportunity
Are you motivated by the idea of creating soft materials that can move, sense, and harvest energy, and turning them into wearable technologies? We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who wants to work at the intersection of soft materials, liquid metals, 3D printing, polymers, and assistive wearable textiles. We aim to develop a new class of multifunctional, liquid metal-enabled silicone fibers that integrate sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting in a single fiber platform. You will join an international research collaboration between DTU and NC State University (Prof. Michael Dickey), combining DTU’s expertise in silicone-based soft fibers and dielectric elastomer actuators with NC State’s internationally recognized expertise in liquid metal materials and processing. The project includes an external research stay in Prof. Dickey’s group at NC State University, USA.
Salary and benefits
- 3-year full-time PhD scholarship appointment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Competitive salary and appointment terms structured for scientific staff at DTU
- Opportunity to join an international research environment and undertake an external research stay at NC State University, USA
- Access to a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom
Who can apply?
- A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in polymer science, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or similar
- Experimental experience with soft materials, liquid metals, elastomers, or composites
- Curiosity for research and motivation to understand mechanisms in depth, with interest in soft robotics, wearables, sensors, actuators, or energy harvesting
- Previous experience with polymer material characterization and hands-on laboratory work
- Ability to work independently and collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment
- Ability to participate in an external research stay in the USA, subject to relevant travel and visa requirements
- Strong communication skills and a positive, open-minded attitude
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- Recommendation letter or contact details for references
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted no later than 20 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
How to apply
- Open the link 'Apply now' on the official career site
- Fill out the online application form
- Attach all required materials in English merged into one single PDF file
Additional information
- You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's graduates in materials science, chemistry, or engineering
- Researchers interested in the intersection of soft robotics and wearable technology
- Candidates eager to participate in an international collaboration with a research stay in the USA
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires a 3-year full-time commitment to the PhD program
- The research involves specialized work with liquid metals and 3D printing
- Applicants must be prepared for potential security and export control background checks
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is perfect for a researcher aiming to work at the cutting edge of soft materials and assistive wearables. The international collaboration provides a unique opportunity to gain expertise in both Danish and American research environments.
Our take
Highly motivated candidates with a strong experimental background in soft materials should apply; those who prefer purely theoretical research or who cannot commit to an international research stay may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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