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1 PhD student position is open in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEK), Technical University of Denmark (DTU). 

The aims of the project are to investigate biophysical properties, surface and interface properties, and biotribological/rheological properties of mucin and mucus gels as a function of their origin, exposure to varying environment, and interaction with foreign materials. A broad range of mucin/mucus types, for example, those from pig internal organs, human saliva, egg white, and commercial resources will be employed for the research. A specific attention is paid to understand the unique lubricity of mucins and mucus gels in correlation with their relevant biological and biophysical properties. Experiences and interests in carrying out a multidisciplinary project are strongly required. 

Ideal starting date is 1 January 2014 or as early as possible thereafter. 

The project is conducted primarily in the Division of Materials and Surface Engineering (MTU), Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEK). Active collaboration with several other research groups at DTU and outside DTU is expected, including Enzyme & Protein Chemistry (EPC) Group in the Department of Systems Biology, DTU, National Food Institute DTU. 

This project is funded by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, DTU. 

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.

The successful candidate should have:

• M.Sc. in the field of materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, mechanical engineering or related subjects
• Experience in surface science and/or tribology (desirable, but not required)
• Experience and/or interests in carrying out interdisciplinary project
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

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 Seunghwan Lee. 

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 Associate professor Seunghwan Lee, tel.: +45 4525 2193, E-mail: seele@mek.dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Mechanical Engineering on www.mek.dtu.dk

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

Application
We must have your online application by 6 September 2013. Apply online at the Apply button below.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” on the website, 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.