PhD scholarship in High-Efficiency Energy Conversion Developing New Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Oxide Thin Films - DTU Energy

Do you want to contribute to the discovery of new piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials for the next-generation energy storage and electronic devices? We are seeking a highly talented, strongly self-motivated PhD candidate with an outstanding academic record for this emerging field of research.

At DTU Energy, our research focuses on developing innovative energy conversion technologies using the unique properties of piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity—two effects that allow certain materials to generate an electric charge. This PhD fellowship will explore energy conversion through these materials, specifically using complex oxide thin films, and will seek to deepen our understanding of their behavior and potential applications.

Discovering new piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials for environmentally friendly, high-efficiency energy conversion is a cutting-edge research area in the forefront of material science, promising significant scientific and technological advancements. This PhD research, part of a Villum project (SYMTEC), is dedicated to identifying new oxide thin film materials with piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. The objective of this project is to explore various functional oxide thin films and optimize the strain- and electric field-mediated defect distribution in these materials. The project is primarily experimental and involves international collaborations with several world-renowned research groups. The current PhD research focuses on engineering epitaxial oxide thin film materials and characterizing their electromechanical and pyroelectric energy conversion properties. The main objectives of this project are to:

1. Establishing the fundamental mechanisms for induced piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects in centrosymmetric crystal structures.
2. Understanding the induced piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects in various centrosymmetric oxide materials. 
3. Engineering nanoscale epitaxial oxide thin films by artificially controlling ionic defects. 

Qualifications

• An MSc degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or similar
• A strong background in condensed matter physics or materials science
• Experience with PLD growth of complex oxide thin films and heterostructures
• Experience with ionic transport, dielectric, and electromechanical measurement skills
• Experience with piezoelectric force microscopy (conductive AFM)
• Experience with variable temperature and electrical measurements
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a larger group.
• Experience in programming skills (e.g., LabVIEW or MATLAB) is a benefit.
• Good writing and communication skills in English 

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 . 

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 position is a full-time position and 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.

Starting date is 1 April 2025 or 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  
Please contact Asst. Prof. Daesung Park, +45 9195 2343,  [email protected]  and Prof. Nini Pryds, +45 2219 5752,  [email protected] for further information. Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.dtu.dk and www.fox.energy.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 Sunday 16 February 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
• Reference letters

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.

DTU Energy is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include electromechanical converters, fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found on 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.