PhD Scholarship: Nanoscale Quantum Sensing for Battery Research - DTU Energy
Do you want to contribute to a greener future where state-of-the-art scanning nitrogen vacancy (NV) magnetometry is introduced to visualize buried functional processes in energy materials, which are otherwise inaccessible to material scientists?
At DTU Energy, our research is targeting exactly this, and to reach these goals, we are looking for a PhD candidate to work at the interface between future energy materials and state-of-the-art quantum sensing with NV magnetometry. In this project, we specifically target to visualize the nanoscale dynamics and degradation of battery cathode materials. This will be done in collaboration with Prof. Dominik Bucher at the Technical University of Munich, and you will be spending 2-6 months in his laboratory.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary tasks will be to:
- Synthesize thin films of solid-state battery components, following established protocols.
- Optimize the sensing schemes of a new state-of-the-art commercial scanning NV magnetometer with variable temperature operation (2-350 °C).
- Perform nanoscale measurements of buried currents and magnetization in solid-state batteries using scanning NV magnetometers.
You will work in a team and must therefore both thrive with team-based research as well as contribute to a productive and pleasant research environment. During the project, you will work closely together with material scientists and colleagues working with theory that will complement your work with density functional theory, phase-field simulations, and finite element modelling.
Qualified applicants must have:
- Enthusiasm for contributing to moving the frontiers of science.
- Experience with thin film material science, electrochemistry and/or magnetic imaging techniques. Extensive hands-on experience with NV magnetometry, scanning SQUID magnetometry or similar techniques is a strong advantage.
- Experience in programming, ideally using Python to the extent that you can independently write programs to control and automate measurements.
- Structured work attitude and ability to plan and carry out sophisticated research activities in collaboration with your supervisors.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
You must have a two-year master's degree in, e.g., physics, chemistry, materials science, or nanoscience (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 .
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 expected starting date is 1 January 2026 or according to a mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position, unless otherwise agreed.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Dennis Christensen, xrochajesseburkewilliamsdaviddechr@dtu.dkwilliamson-brown.dkyoung-perry.dk , +45 20961946.
You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.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 28 September 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.
***The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy)** focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at* 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.