The Section for Surface Physics & Catalysis (SURFCAT) is looking for outstanding candidates for a PhD position within controlled synthesis and characterization of catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion reactions.
The position is part of CAPeX, which is a 13-year and 300 MDKK Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery, funded by Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, the Danish National Research Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Villum Foundation. CAPeX is hosted by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and co-hosted by Aalborg University (AAU), and unites leading experts from DTU, AAU, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark with international partners from Stanford University, Utrecht University, and the University of Toronto to form a truly Pioneering Center on P2X. You can read more about CAPeX at https://capex.dtu.dk/.
Project descriptions
Power-to-X have the potential to accelerate the green transition by offering sustainable alternatives to some of the hardest things to replace in today’s fossil-based society – fuels and chemicals. However, to secure a wide-scale global deployment of P2X processes, new and improved catalysts are required. Developing the next generation of P2X catalysts with more complex structures than the current generation requires an in-depth understanding and ultimately control of the catalyst itself and the fundamental reactions and processes occurring at the catalysts-electrolyte/gas interface. The successful candidate will be working on well-controlled depositions (e.g., by physical vapor deposition) and characterization of e.g. multi-metallic thin-film and nanoparticle alloys P2X reactions. Characterization will use e.g. XPS, ISS and TEM to probe dispersion and chemical state of the prepared catalyst materials. The candidate will also participate in developing a setup where catalysts can be synthesized, characterized and tested electrochemically without ever being exposed to air. The work will be in close collaboration with other CAPeX members who will provide computational screening studies for alloy composition and geometric structure.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Master educations. Candidates 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, in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science by the time they commence the project. Candidates who have shown interest/had experience in surface science, UHV and electrochemistry are preferred. Furthermore, the candidate should be highly motivated and willing to work in a team. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled at DTU Physics PhD School. 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 Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, DTU Physics.
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 employment is expected to start 1 April 2025 or soon thereafter.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
If you need further information concerning the position, please contact Professor Jakob Kibsgaard at jkib@fysik.dtu.dk
. Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
You can read more about DTU Physics at www.physics.dtu.dk/research/sections/surfcat.
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 7 February 2025 (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.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate 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: 07-02-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/43e0d60f-a4d6-4172-a0f4-2df56c973730
