PhD Scholarship in NMR for Battery Electrolytes at DTU Chemistry
A 3-year PhD position is available at the Department of Chemistry, DTU, in experimental studies of ion transport and ion interactions in battery electrolytes, where you will learn and utilise a range of advanced electrochemical and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The project will be supervised by Professor Esben Thormann and co-supervisor Assistant Professor Leo W. Gordon. The project is expected to commence on January 1 or close to this date.
As the battery field matures, new electrolytes will be required to target specific applications and materials. In particular, as we consider the use of batteries under more extreme conditions, more must be understood about the temperature-dependent transport mechanisms at play through the electrolyte. It is challenging to understand these systems under operation and without perturbation of the sample. Furthermore, species-specific information is critical to appropriately attribute performance changes to electrolyte modification. Therefore, a chemically sensitive, non-destructive technique is needed to gain deep understanding of the transport and chemical mechanisms at play.
This research will utilise a suite of advanced NMR characterisation tools that can resolve ion-specific information to probe battery electrolytes under non-equilibrium conditions. These NMR methods will be combined with electrochemical characterisation to develop a comprehensive understanding of the transport mechanisms in a range of characteristic electrolytes, and under a variety of operating conditions, in addition to elucidating possible failure modes under these conditions.
Responsibilities and qualifications
This project is primarily experimental has a strong emphasis on advanced operando NMR spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Prior knowledge of NMR physics and/or electrochemistry are preferred, but not required.
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. The ideal candidate should be driven by clean energy and sustainability goals, and have a keen interest in developing innovative new methods using NMR to understand physical phenomena across multiple length scales. They should demonstrate a positive, self-starting attitude, and should have a deep curiosity to drive their science. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
The formal requirements are:
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 of the applicants will be made by Professor Esben Thormann and Assistant Professor Leo W. Gordon.
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 starting date is January 1 or similar, according to mutual agreement and the position is full time.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Esben Thormann (nvillajalvarezhenrykristaesth@peterson.dkkemi.dtu.dkstephenson-sanchez.dkchapman.dk) and Assistant Professor Leo W. Gordon (vanessabelllewigomscottscott48@kemi.dtu.dkmartinez.dkhill.dk).
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english.
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 November 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
- A writing sample of a published paper, pre-print, or thesis, with a short accompanying statement clearly detailing your contributions and key findings.
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.