PhD Position in Next-Generation Skin Adhesives for Ostomy Care

Humlebæk, DK

Job Family: Research & Development

Country/Region: Denmark

PhD Position in Next-Generation Skin Adhesives for Ostomy Care

Employer: Coloplast A/S (with scientific enrolment at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark – DTU Chemistry)

Location: Humlebæk, Denmark & DTU Chemistry, Kongens Lyngby

Start Date: March 1st, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Duration: 3 years (Industrial PhD)

Project Description
Coloplast A/S, in collaboration with DTU Chemistry, invites applications for an industrial PhD position focused on the development of novel multifunctional skin adhesives for ostomy care. The project aims to design and investigate new polymer adhesive materials that integrate wet adhesion, hydration control, and pH stabilization at the skin interface, combining reliable long-term adhesion with active support of skin health.

The PhD student will conduct research at both Coloplast A/S and DTU Chemistry, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art facilities and a cross-disciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize new polymer adhesive materials for skin applications.

• Investigate the interfacial properties and performance of adhesives, focusing on wet adhesion, hydration, and pH control.

• Employ advanced analytical techniques for material and interface characterization.

• Collaborate closely with industrial and academic partners.

• Present findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with polymer chemistry, polymer synthesis, and surface chemistry is advantageous.

• Experience in using techniques for measuring mechanical properties and familiarity with analytical techniques for characterizing materials and interfaces.

• Strong interest in cross-disciplinary research and excellent collaboration skills.

• Fluent communication skills in written and spoken English.

• Ambitious, hardworking, and striving for scientific excellence.

Funding and Enrolment
This project is co-sponsored by Innovation Fund Denmark through the Industrial PhD program, supporting candidates of the highest excellence. Only applicants with great talent, who seek to be among the brightest in their field, and who fulfill the grade requirements will be considered.

The position is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program at DTU Chemistry. For information about general requirements and planning of the scholarship studies, please see the links https://www.dtu.dk/english/education/phd and https://innovationsfonden.dk/sites/default/files/2019-08/guidelines-for-industrial-phd-06-07-2018.pdf.

Salary and Appointment Terms
Salary will be set in the contract between Coloplast A/S and the candidate, at least matching the collective a

Application
Please submit your online application no later than January 5th 2026.

To apply, open the link “Apply online,” fill in the 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 (with official English translation if necessary)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Further Information
For further information, please contact Aamir Shabbir ([email protected]) at Coloplast A/S, or Professor Esben Thormann ([email protected]) at DTU Chemistry.

Please do not send applications to these e-mail addresses; instead, apply online as described above

Pursuing an ambitious growth agenda, Coloplast develops and markets products and services that make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Employing about 16.000 people and with products available in more than 143 countries, we are one of the world´s leading medical device companies. We are constantly growing our business and always looking for new ways to move forward – we explore, learn and look for new ways of doing things.

Coloplast is committed to being an inclusive organization, where people bring their differences to work each day, fulfil their potential and have a strong sense of belonging because – and not despite – of their differences. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious belief or physical ability.

Visit us on Coloplast.com.

Watch the film.