PhD Scholarship in Catalysis - Atomic-Scale Nanoparticle Research at DTU
Could you imagine designing clusters for catalyzing chemical reactions at the atomic-scale? The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) is offering a PhD positions for experimental research in nanoparticle catalysis using advanced operando electron microscopy
This collaborative PhD project between Technical University of Munich (TUM) ( the group of Prof. Barbara A.J. Lechner) and Technical University of Denmark (DTU) aims at understanding and designing noble metal clusters in the non-scalable regime to enable exceptional catalytic performance for e.g. methane and ammonia conversion.
The project partner at TUM will focus on the materials production, stability characterization and the catalytic activity tests aspect of the project. The work at DTU will focus on the materials characterization aspect of the project, i.e. investigation of dynamics during catalyst activation and reaction by in-situ transmission electron microscopy.
VISION is pioneering technology for visualizing catalytic nanoparticles and reactions at the atomic-level by combining path-breaking advances in electron microscopy, microfabricated nanoreactors, nanoparticle synthesis and computational modelling. The radical new, interdisciplinary approach aims at relating the atomic-scale structure, dynamics and functions of single nanoparticles in both thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis, aiming to advance the understanding of catalysis at the atomic-scale, and in turn, to aid design of new and more efficient catalysts needed to tackle the environmental challenges of our time. VISION’s hosts a new one-of-a-kind electron microscope facility, located in DTU’s new "Climate Challenge Laboratory" building as a vibrant collaborative research environment with internationally leading scientists in the fields of catalysis and power-to-X.- see comment
Responsibilities and qualifications
You will work quantitatively with atomic-resolution electron microscopy of nanoparticles under thermal catalytic reaction conditions. The tasks will include
- Operando studies of size-selected metal clusters using atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy.
- Relating the three-dimensional atomic-resolution structure and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles as well of ensembles with varying number of nanoparticles.
- Advancing the understanding of corporative interactions in nanoparticle catalysis, including ensemble-averaging, hysteresis, oscillatory behaviour and support dependencies.
- Compare cluster behaviour across different characterization techniques (TEM, STM, TPD).
- Integrate findings to map the relationship between cluster structure, reactivity, and stability. - see comment
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.
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 will be made by Associate Professor Christian Damsgaard, Professor Jakob Kibsgaard and Professor Stig Helveg, DTU Physics.
We favour candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. The candidate should preferably have experience in electron microscopy, catalysis or surface science. Experience in scientific programming, e.g. using Python, is an advantage.
The candidate has obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Master educations, good communication skills in both spoken and written English, and experience in working independently and in a team. – see comment
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.
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
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Christian D. Damsgaard, e-mail: cddamarc48matthew40patrickjohn@rodriguez.dkmccoy.dkmoore.dkdtu.dk , Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, email: jkibkramerelizabethadamthompson@brooks-frazier.dkpena.dkfysik.dtu.dk and Professor Stig Helveg, email: jillian61sanchezericstig@fowler-elliott.dkgraham.dkfysik.dtu.dkbrooks.dk
You can read more about DTU Physics at www.physics.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 . 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 31 August 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.
***At DTU Physics** , we carry out cutting-edge research in modern physics, with particular focus on four main areas: quantum technology, sustainable energy, materials, and biophysics. Our focus is both to acquire greater knowledge about basic scientific problems and to conduct research oriented towards use in societies and companies.*
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.