Postdoc position in Synthesis and Characterization of well-controlled multi-metallic alloys for energy conversion reactions for high-value chemicals -

The position is at the SurfCat section at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Here we enjoy a social, open and transparent scientific environment. The students will be able to take full advantage of the large number of personnel working in adjacent fields of investigation, from surface science on single crystals to the testing of high surface area catalysts in reactors.
The Section for Surface Physics and Catalysis (SURFCAT) is looking for an outstanding candidate for a postdoc position within synthesis, characterization and electrochemical testing of well-controlled multi-metallic alloys for energy conversion reactions for high-value chemicals.

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.

Project descriptions
Developing electrochemical synthesis routes for high-value chemicals would enable a sustainable chemical industry based on renewable electricity. One promising class of reactions is the partial oxidation of organic compounds into high-value chemicals. The electrode potentials can be used to tune the oxidizing power of the reaction, but new catalyst materials are needed to not only lower the energy cost but also help steer the selectivity.

The successful candidate will be working on well-controlled depositions (e.g., by physical vapor deposition) and characterization of multi-metallic thin-film and nanoparticle alloys for e.g. selective electrochemical oxidation reactions (but other reactions of interest to the successful candidate could be relevant too). Characterization will use e.g. XPS, ISS and TEM to probe dispersion and chemical state of the prepared catalyst materials. Following characterization, the candidate will test activity/selectivity and stability of the materials using appropriate electrochemical setups.

The work will be in close collaboration with other CAPeX members who will provide computational screening studies for alloy composition and geometric structure, e.g., confined domain sizes. Similarly, a close collaboration with other experimental CAPeX members will be established.

Qualifications
The successful candidate is well-motivated, willing and able to work as part of a team. The candidate should have a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science. 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.

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

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by: Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, DTU Physics and Assistant Professor Rebecca Pittkowski, University of Copenhagen.

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 full time with a desired start in February 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
If you need further information concerning the position, please contact Professor Jakob Kibsgaard at [email protected]

You can read more about CAPeX at https://capex.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 25 November 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, Max one page)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (BSc /MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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 the position involves research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, among other things, open-source background checks will 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.

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