Postdoc in studying electrocatalysts with 3D active site structures - DTU Energy

If you are establishing your career as a scientist in the field of experimental electrocatalysis and you are looking for opportunities to fulfill your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. 

Electrocatalysts are essential materials for producing fuels and chemicals through electrified chemical processes, known as Power-to-X. Conventional electrocatalysts with two-dimensional (2D) active sites have a fundamentally limited efficiency for facilitating reactions involving three or more reaction intermediates due to the so-called "scaling relationship". In CAT3D, the five-year Villum Young Investigator project that fully covers this postdoc position, we aim to overcome this fundamental limitation by studying electrocatalysts with three-dimensional (3D) active site structures. This study could open the door for obtaining radically better electrocatalysts in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability.   

At DTU Energy, we have been carrying out R&D in sustainable energy conversion technologies for decades. We are among the world’s leaders in research and development in this area. We have excellent facilities and competencies to carry out research from fundamental studies of electrochemical materials to the fabrication of lab-scale components and devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main work tasks of CAT3D will be to synthesize electrocatalysts with 3D active structures, characterize and verify the structures, and employ several in-situ electrochemical techniques to probe the reaction intermediates and investigate the reaction mechanisms. You will join with another postdoc and PhD student (to be hired soon) to carry out this ambitious project. 

We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic about understanding the fundamental working principles of electrocatalysts and have strong expertise in one or a few topics listed below.

1. Fundamental understanding of electrocatalytic processes, such as oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. 
2. Synthesis of electrocatalysts with well-defined structures, particularly nanoporous materials. 
3. Characterization of the bulk and surface structures of the electrocatalysts using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, particularly STEM. 
4. In-situ electrochemical techniques, particularly in-situ IR and Raman. 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

Besides, qualified applicants must have:

1. Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the research topics 
2. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
3. Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out challenging tasks.

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 terms of employment 
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 2 years. 

The preferred starting date is September 1, 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). This 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 Yang Hu (yanhu@dtu.dk)

can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk/ 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 July 2024 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 
• A list of at least two references
• (optional) Experience, thoughts, or ideas on the r