Do you want to work with glass materials and the structural origins of their fracture behavior? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our Integrated PhD Stipend.

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a Integrated Ph.D. stipend is available within the general study program. The Integrated Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 01.09.2025. The position is for 4 years, and the workplace is in Aalborg.

Your work tasks
 An Integrated Ph.D. stipend is available in the field of mechanical properties of glasses. The brittleness and low fracture toughness of various glass materials, including oxide and metal-organic framework glasses, remains to be their main disadvantage. The planned research will focus on characterizing and understanding the structural origins of the difference in deformation mechanisms across different glass compositions and testing conditions. This will include the use of nano-indentation testing under varying indenter tip geometry, strain rates and atmospheric humidity. In situ characterization of indentation deformation using electron microscopy will also be a focal point.
As a Ph.D. student, you will join the Glass Structure and Mechanics Group, led by Professor Morten Mattrup Smedskjær, within the Section of Disordered Materials. The group offers a vibrant research environment, featuring cutting-edge computational and experimental facilities and strong interdisciplinary collaboration. The prospective Ph.D. student will therefore also collaborate with other Ph.D. students and Postdocs in the group.

Your competencies

• Enrollment in a relevant Master’s programme, such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or similar (see also “Qualification requirements” section below).
• Experience with glass science, mechanical properties, indentation, and/or electron microscopy is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. in python) are an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.
•  Strong collaborative skills, team spirit, yet the ability to work independently.
  
  

Qualification requirements
Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. The stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month (SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7.086 kr. (2025 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. 

Who we are    
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us! 
Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor degree diploma)
• Academic transcript
• Project description (Applicants WHO are planning to complete a doctoral thesis in English and who do not have English as a first language or WHO have not completed an English language-based Master's programme (or an equivalent educational achievement in English) shall provide documentation that they have passed one of the following official tests with the respective minimum score: IELTS (band score): 7, TOEFL (paper-based): 600, TOEFL (internet-based): 100. The language test must be no more than five years old at the time of the application.) 
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Allocation of SU-PhD Grants are according to the Ministerial Order on the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme part 12, section II. This applies only to integrated PhD stipends. 

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Associate Professor Vittorio Boffa: vb@bio.aau.dk
• AAU PhD: vkns@adm.aau.dk

Ref number

2025/248

Deadline

04.07.2025