Research Assistant in Chemistry, Materials Science and Characterization - DTU Construct

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 234,000 - 301,000; Part time

Job summary

DTU is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join an interdisciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science and characterization. The part-time position (15 hours per week) runs for six months and focuses on development, processing, and analysis of advanced material systems, primarily polymers.

The ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in engineering, has hands-on laboratory experience, and strong English writing skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry/materials science.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Support ongoing research through laboratory work, materials preparation and characterization.
• Prepare and process material formulations and samples.
• Characterize materials using spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, and mechanical testing.
• Organize, analyze and document experimental data and maintain research records.
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to day-to-day research activities.

Skills

Laboratory work

English communication

Scientific writing

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join our research activities at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and characterization. The position is part‑time (15 hours per week) for a period of 6 months and offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research environment focused on the development, processing, and analysis of advanced material systems.

The work is intentionally broad and is suited to a candidate with a solid background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, and an interest in working across different classes of materials (mainly polymers) and experimental methods. In particular, the work involves chemical, physical, and structural characterization.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Main tasks: You will support ongoing research activities through a combination of laboratory work, materials preparation, and characterization. Depending on background and project needs, the tasks include:

• Preparation and processing of material formulations and samples
• Experimental work related to polymeric systems
• Characterization of materials using relevant techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, and mechanical testing
• Collection, organization, and analysis of experimental data
• Maintaining laboratory workflows, documentation, and research records
• Optimization of formulations, sample preparation protocols, and experimental procedures
• Contribution to day‑to‑day research activities in collaboration with other team members

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has a background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering
• Has hands‑on laboratory experience and is comfortable working experimentally
• Has interest in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
• Can work in a structured, careful, and independent manner
• Is motivated, reliable, and able to collaborate in a research environment
• Has good communication skills in English
• Has strong scientific writing skills and experience with research documentation; publication experience is considered an advantage

As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.

We offer:

• A part‑time research position in an active and interdisciplinary academic environment
• Hands‑on experience with chemistry and materials research
• Opportunity to work with a broad range of material systems and characterization methods
• Close interaction with researchers and ongoing research projects
• A flexible position that can provide relevant experience for further academic or industrial work

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. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 6 months, 15 hours per week. Expected starting date is 1 December 2026, or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Mehdi Mehrali [e-mail] and Tenure Track Researcher Masoud Hasany [e-mail].

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.

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

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe’s global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.