PThe Section for Autonomous Materials Discovery (AMD) at DTU Energy is looking for outstanding candidates for a Postdoc fellowship within the field of integrated computational, experimental and machine learning workflows for accelerated discovery, synthesis and characterization of new materials for Power2X. This position specifically targets the development of a dual/multiple closed-loop discovery (DCLD) process for synthesizing high entropy alloys and oxides (HEA/HEO), e.g., for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into sustainable fuels and chemicals.

The position is one of the open positions in the 2024 CAPeX Postdoc cohort call. CAPeX is a 13-year and 300 MDKK “Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery”, funded by Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, the Danish National Research Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Villum Foundation. CAPeX is hosted by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and co-hosted by Aalborg University (AAU), and unites leading experts from DTU, AAU, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark with international partners from Stanford University, Utrecht University, and the University of Toronto to form a truly Pioneering Center on P2X. You can read more about the CAPeX research themes and X-trails, our organization, and the other open PhD and postdoc cohort positions at http://www.capex-p2x.com.

Project descriptions
The successful candidate will work on the development of a dual/multiple closed-loop discovery (DCLD) process for synthesizing high entropy alloys and oxides (HEA/HEO), e.g., for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into sustainable fuels and chemicals. The dual loop optimization process consists of a fast inner-loop characterization and slow, yet more rigorous testing and characterization of selected samples to obtain high-fidelity data. The DCLD utilizes a surrogate model that takes both low- and high-fidelity data to determine the optimal design parameters and synthesis conditions, e.g., for spark plasma, hydrothermal, solution-based synthesis or a cluster source. The autonomous DCLD will utilize the high-throughput synthesis robotic systems that integrates several on-the-fly and operando characterization techniques to generate multi-fidelity data, which is used to train the surrogate model. The surrogate model will guide which HEA/HEO to synthesize next based on its predicted merits (e.g., its expected catalytic activity/selectivity or uncertainty reduction of the surrogate model). The development of autonomous DCLD setup will pave the way for establishing the infrastructure for the Decentralized and Asynchronous Materials Acceleration Platform (DANMAP). The successful candidate will work closely with other PhD and postdoc candidates in CAPeX and colleagues at the University of Toronto and Utrecht University. Fellowship postdocs are expected to spend 6-12 months at the international partner university. 

Qualifications
Candidates should hold a PhD or equivalent degree in computer science, physics, chemistry or materials science. The candidates must have a strong background in computational chemistry, physics or materials science and/or machine learning, and are expected to have performed original scientific research within the relevant fields listed above for the specific position. Moreover, the successful candidate:

• is innovative and able to work both independently and in cross-disciplinary teams
• has good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• is able to work independently and take responsibility for the progress and quality of projects. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by the Director of CAPeX, Prof. Tejs Vegge and Tenure Track Prof. Jin Hyun Chang (DTU).

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 for 2 years and be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.

The employment is expected to start March 1st, 2023 or shortly thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
If you need further information concerning these positions, please contact Head of AMD and Director of CAPeX, Prof. Tejs Vegge at [email protected] or Tenure Track Prof. Jin Hyun Chang at [email protected].

Please do not send applications to these e-mail addresses, instead apply online as described below.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application
We must have your online application by 8 January 2023 (23:59 Danish time).

Apply at: Postdoc Fellowship on the Autonomous Dual-closed-loop Synthesis of HEA/HEO Catalysts for Power2X Applications

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 
• BSc/MSc/PhD diploma
• List of publications indicating scientific highlights
• List of References (at least two) 

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. The Department is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, polymer solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity, thermo electrics, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. Additional information about the department can be found on http://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.