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

If you are interested in experimental electrocatalysis and enthusiastic about tackling the core of fundamental questions, this 2-year postdoc position fully funded by Villum Young Investigator program is for you.
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.

• Fundamental understanding of electrocatalytic processes, such as oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.
• Synthesis of electrocatalysts with well-defined structures, particularly nanoporous materials.
• Characterization of the bulk and surface structures of the electrocatalysts using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, particularly STEM.
• In-situ electrochemical techniques, particularly in-situ IR and Raman.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the research topics
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out challenging tasks.

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

Besides, qualified applicants must have:

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 ([email protected])

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 research topic, i.e., electrocatalysts with 3D active sites.

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.

DTU Energy
DTU Energy is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on http://www.energy.dtu.dk.

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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