PhD scholarship in materials catalytic CO2 conversion – DTU Chemistry

DTU Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking highly motivated candidates for two PhD scholarships in the field of material science and catalytic CO2 conversion.

The PhD scholarship is a three-year position starting in July 2025.

Our research focuses on C1-chemistry and catalysis for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. The aim of the PhD projects is to synthesize materials that are highly active in selective catalytic CO2 hydrogenations.

Your role will be to synthesize well-defined nanoparticle catalysts and test their activity in various gas-phase reactions, including reverse water-gas shift, dry reforming, and CO2 methanation. Furthermore, you characterize the materials using various ex-situ and in-situ techniques and draft scientific publications.

As our new colleague, you will join a small research team that is part of the Centre for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry and the research group of Professor Søren Kegnæs or Associate Professor Jerrik Mielby. Here, you will experience a diverse and international research environment with friendly and supportive colleagues who work hard to move the green transition forward.

Who we’re looking for
We are looking for a motivated PhD student who is driven by curiosity, has a strong scientific mindset, and enjoys collaborating with both industrial and international research partners. Ideally, here’s what you will bring to the project:

• A MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or other relevant fields. 
• Enthusiasm and a let’s go solve attitude.
• Creativity, persistence, and attention to detail 
• Excellent communication skills in English (both spoken and written)

Documented scientific achievements and experience with programming, catalysis, material synthesis and characterization, or vibrational spectroscopy will be considered an advantage but is not a prerequisite to apply.

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
Professor Søren Kegnæs and Accociate Professor Jerrik Mielby will assess the applicants.

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 July 2025 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

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 about the open PhD position may be obtained from Professor Søren Kegnæs +45 4525 2402 or Associate Professor Jerrik Mielby ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.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 27 March 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
• List of scientific contributions (if any). DO NOT upload scientific articles.
• Contact details of two individuals that can provide a letter of reference. 
• A brief video (or link to video) of max. 2 minutes introducing yourself. 

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.