If you are ambitious and seeking to contribute to developing novel chemistry for a sustainable future using advanced experimental methods, then a possibility is right here for you.
A 3-year PhD fellowship is available in chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, DTU from August 1, 2026, or soon thereafter. The work will be carried out under the supervision of Associate Professor Martin Nielsen and Professor Anders Riisager in an international environment at DTU Chemistry.
We are interested in the discovery, characterization, and analysis of catalytic systems for hydrogenative CO2 valorisation under environmentally friendly conditions. We use a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques to elucidate the mechanism and to aid our further development. Solvent effects, kinetic details, and mechanistic elucidations are focus areas of our groups. You will be collaborating with a postdoc (position also open), who will be developing a theoretical approach to the mechanistic understanding.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus and responsibility will be to develop novel solvents, particularly ionic liquids, that in conjunction with a homogeneous catalyst capture and convert CO2 to reduced products under hydrogenation conditions. The reaction system will contain a hybrid catalytic system, and the synergism of solvent and catalyst will need to be clarified. Advanced solvent analytical tools will be employed to elucidate their features in connection to their performance in carbon capture and utilization. A postdoc on the project will be responsible for theoretical tools for analysing the systems to accelerate the understanding of reaction pathways and improved use of desired rather than undesired routes. Additive effects will further be explored based on mechanistic insights. Your work thus will strengthen the detection and optimization of sustainable chemistry reactions.
The interdisciplinary nature of the project makes it a prerequisite that you have a broad interest in the application of organic synthesis and catalysis for the study of chemical reaction systems.
Your primary tasks will include to:
- develop, synthesize, and apply novel ionic liquids for carbon capture and utilization in conjunction with known and new catalysts,
- contribute experimentally to mapping of reaction pathways by detailed solvent analysis,
- apply the methods to the discovery and optimization of a hybrid catalytic system,
- contribute to teaching and supervising BSc and MSc student projects and disseminating your work to peers and the public when relevant.
You must have 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.
The successful candidate will have a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering chemical technology, or a closely related discipline. Experience with experimental organic chemistry, organometallics, catalysis, CO2 chemistry, and/or gas handling are advantages.
The candidate must be able to work independently, but also participate in collaborations, strive toward scientific excellence, be highly motivated, ambitious, and hard-working. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required. The groups are ambitious and strive to publish in the leading international journals in the field.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Martin Nielsen and Professor Anders Riisager. We strongly prefer to receive applications that have been drafted by the applicant, rather than by a language model.
We offer
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 appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
The starting date is August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Martin Nielsen (marnie@kemi.dtu.dk
).
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out 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 (in English) including official description of grading scale
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.
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.
The Department of Chemistry performs research, educational activities, and innovation at a high international level within e.g. energy, catalysis, and materials. The overall aim is to contribute with new knowledge about basic scientific problems and carry out research with vast application perspectives - to the benefit of both society and companies.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 22-06-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/46381557-a17d-4a52-853f-5066fe75b84d
