PhD scholarship in live Visualization of Nanoparticle Catalysts at Atomic Scale

Are you passionate about pushing the frontier of catalysis science? The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is offering multiple PhD scholarships in 2026 focusing on nanoparticle catalysis using advanced operando electron microscopy. If you thrive in a collaborative, cutting-edge setting and want to make a global impact, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities and qualifications

The PhD scholarships address four exciting topics. For all positions, you will collaborate closely with a group of PhD students, postdocs and international leading scientists, all working at the technological edge of modern electron microscopy for advancing catalysis science. The four topics are:

1. Designing Superior Catalytic Sites

   Explore nanoparticle surfaces and electrocatalysis using cutting-edge experimental tools to understand catalysis for sustainable chemical reactions. The tasks can include:

   • Preparation of well-defined nanoparticles using e.g. size-selected cluster sources.
   • Catalytic testing using ultra-sensitive chip-interfaced electrochemistry–mass spectrometry (EC–MS) and ultra-high-vacuum-compatible thermal catalytic setups.
   • 3D atomic-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of nanoparticles using advanced broad- and focused-beam transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques.

2. Structure–Catalysis Relationships at the Atomic Scale

   Use custom-fabricated nanoreactors and operando electron microscopy to reveal how single nanoparticles drive catalytic processes. The tasks can include:

   • Preparation of nanoreactors with size-selected nanoparticles for gas-phase catalysis.
   • Development and application of ultrasensitive methods to probe gas–surface interactions by means of electron spectroscopy.
   • Operando studies of catalysts using low dose-rate and dose atomic-resolution TEM.
   • Linking 3D atomic structure, dynamics, and catalytic function of individual nanoparticles.
   • Identifying and stabilizing uniquely active nanoparticles to uncover atomistic mechanisms for catalysis of sustainable chemical processes.

3. Visualizing Chemical Dynamics in Real Time

   Apply advanced atomic-resolution imaging and image analysis to uncover surface dynamics, reactivity and molecular interactions. The tasks can include:

   • Visualization of single nanoparticles during thermal catalysis using time-resolved, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
   • Development of quantitative image analysis to extract information on atomic dynamics from image series.
   • Investigate molecular adsorption, surface reconstruction and site-dependent reactivity at the single-atom level
   • Understanding of atomic mechanisms and kinetics to stabilize highly active but metastable surface motifs sustainable catalytic processes.

4. Modeling Atomic Processes on Nanoparticles

   Develop atomistic models and machine-learning potentials to interpret experimental data and predict catalytic performance. The tasks can include:

   • Advancing equivariant neural network potentials (ENNPs) to model nanoparticle energy surfaces.
   • Building atom-explicit ground-state models of supported and unsupported nanoparticles.
   • Modeling catalytic reaction kinetics to identify active sites and reaction barriers, integrating experimental TEM data.
   • Comparing adsorbate-induced nanoparticle morphologies with ENNP-based simulated TEM data for coherent interpretation.

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.

Your application must specify which research topic appeals most to your ambitions and include a concise description of your research skills and experience.

We favor candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. For Topic 1-3, candidates must have documented skills in atomic-resolution electron microscopy/spectroscopy, microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science. For Topic 4, candidates must have documented skills within computational modelling of atomistic processes. For all topics, experience in scientific programming, e.g. using Python, is expected.

As we work in international environment it is important that you have a good communication skills in both spoken and written English, and experience in working independently and in a team.  

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 Associate Professor Christian Damsgaard, Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, Professor Peter Vesborg, Professor Joerg Jinschek and Professor Stig Helveg.

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 and the starting date is as soon as possible (according to mutual agreement).

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: ccda@dtu.dk ), Professor Jakob Kibsgaard (email: jkib@fysik.dtu.dk ), Professor Peter Vesborg (email: vesborg@fysik.dtu.dk ), Professor Joerg Jinschek (email: jojin@dtu.dk ), Professor Thomas Bligaard (email: tbli@dtu.dk ) and Professor Stig Helveg (email: stihe@dtu.dk ).

You can read more about VISION at www.vision.dtu.dk and DTU Physics at www.fysik.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 than31 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time) . Interviews are held on an ongoing basis.

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 Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and located at DTU Physics. VISION is developing and applying a new unique platform for visualizing catalytic nanoparticles and reactions at the atomic-level by integrating cutting-edge electron microscopy, microfabricated nanoreactors, nanoparticle synthesis and computational modelling. This approach enables new, direct operando observations that are urgently needed to advance mechanistic insight into catalytic processes at the atomic-scale.

VISION’s activities are centered around a new one-of-a-kind electron microscope, housed in DTU’s new "Climate Challenge Laboratory" building. The new laboratory hosts the VISION center, the Surface Physics and Catalysis section, the CatTheory section and the newly established Pioneer Center, CAPeX, as a vibrant collaborative research environment with internationally leading scientists in the fields of catalysis and power-to-X.

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.