Several PhD scholarships and Postdoc positions are available in the Catalysis Theory Center in the Physics Department of the Technical University of Denmark. We are motivated by the vision of sustainable energy conversion and storage based on catalysis.  We offer a positive, supportive and international research environment, and we value diversity, creativity, personal growth, and impact.  

The positions focus on:

• DFT-based mechanistic analysis and the development of kinetic and transport models of electrochemical processes for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals from CO₂ and biomass platform molecules
• The development of a fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes at the liquid-solid interface.

The projects often involve close collaboration with experimental groups.

Qualifications
Candidates for the PhD position have a master's degree in physics, chemistry or engineering, or possibly a degree in computer science or informatics, with an academic level equivalent to a master's degree in engineering.  Ideally they have some experience in computational/theoretical physics or chemistry and related areas.

Candidates for the postdoc position will have a PhD or equivalent degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or a similar field. They also have experience in ab initio modelling and/or continuum modelling of electrochemical interfaces and mass transport phenomena.

Ideal candidates:

• are academically curious and think deeply and creatively
• communicate well in both written and spoken English
• are empathetic, kind, has great social skills, and enjoys working with others from diverse backgrounds
• take responsibility for the progress and quality of projects

We are committed to increasing diversity in science and especially encourage applications from female, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ candidates and other under-represented groups. We welcome applications from candidates of any age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality.   

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 starting monthly salary for a PhD student is around DKK 30,500 (ca. €4100 or $4500) including pension contribution. The period of employment is 3 years, and the PhD project will be carried out at the DTU Lyngby Campus, which is located about 20 minutes from the center of Copenhagen. 

The postdoc appointment is initially 1 year with the possibility of renewal, upon mutual agreement.  The monthly salary for a postdoctoral fellow at DTU is around DKK 40,000 (ca. €5300 or $6400) including pension contribution. 

International applicants sometimes qualify for researcher taxation and/or international pension schemes.

The start date is flexible, either ASAP or in 2021. Please state desired start dates in your cover letter.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Karen Chan at [email protected]

Application

Due date:  20 Apr 2020 (local time). Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

PhD Candidates: Please submit your ONLINE application at this link. Please, do not send applications by email, as university regulations require all applications to be processed through the job site directly.  Include:

• Brief cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
• List of 2 references who can be contacted by phone or email 

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it. 

Postdoc Candidates: Please email your application to Professor Karen Chan at [email protected]. Include:

• Brief cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Diploma (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications (optionally: briefly indicate scientific highlights)
• List of 2 references who can be contacted by phone or email