PhD Scholarships in “live” electron microscopy in catalysis at the atomic-scale

Technical University of Denmark (DTU); Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Physics, in collaboration with the VISION research environment, seeks a PhD student to investigate live electron microscopy of catalysts using the VISION PRIME TEM. You will perform operando, low-dose-rate TEM, fabricate microfabricated reactors, and develop Python-based image analysis tools to reveal atomic-scale dynamics.

The project aims to publish high-impact results and shape new catalytic research directions over a 3-year period in Denmark.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics, chemistry or materials science.
• Documented skills in atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
• Experience in microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science.
• Strong skills in Python programming.
• Excellent grades in Bachelor and Master educations, problem-solving abilities, and good English communication.
• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Performing operando, low-dose-rate TEM to capture real-time atomic-scale catalyst dynamics
• Advancing ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas-surface interactions, molecular adsorption, and active-site formation
• Fabricate and use microfabricated reactors for realistic catalytic environments
• Visualize, quantify and interpret nanoparticle restructuring, vibrations, and surface dynamics
• Develop and apply Python-based image/data analysis tools for large time-resolved TEM datasets
• Establish quantitative links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles
• Collaborate with computational researchers to atomic-scale mechanisms, kinetics, and strategies for stabilizing active catalytic structures
• Contribute to high-impact scientific publications and present results at international conferences
• Take an active role in shaping new research directions within the VISION environment

Skills

Atomic-resolution TEM

Python programming

Microfabricated devices

2D materials

Catalysis & surface science

Physics/chemistry/materials science

English communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Master's degree in physics, chemistry or materials science

Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent

Job description

Why join VISION?

At VISION, you will join a highly collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research environment where advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy, microfabricated reactors, catalysis, cluster science, and computational modelling come together to reveal how catalysts function at the atomic scale.

This is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious researchers who want to shape the frontier of “live” electron microscopy and wants to build foundation for independent academic or corporate research career.

Your Impact

Catalysts are metastable nanomaterials. Their active surface sites dynamically restructure during adsorption and reaction of molecules. However, many of these processes remain hidden because they occur at the atomic scale and in real time.

Your research will address this challenge by using the new VISION PRIME electron microscope, a state-of-the-art instrument designed for operando and low-dose-rate atomic-resolution TEM studies.

You will contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes and help guide the design of next-generation catalyst materials.

What You’ll Do

• Performing operando, low-dose-rate TEM to capture real-time atomic-scale catalyst dynamics
• Advancing ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas-surface interactions, molecular adsorption, and active-site formation
• Fabricate and use microfabricated reactors for realistic catalytic environments
• Visualize, quantify and interpret nanoparticle restructuring, vibrations, and surface dynamics
• Develop and apply Python-based image/data analysis tools for large time-resolved TEM datasets
• Establish quantitative links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles
• Collaborate with computational researchers to atomic-scale mechanisms, kinetics, and strategies for stabilizing active catalytic structures
• Contribute to high-impact scientific publications and present your results at international conferences.
• Take an active role in shaping new research directions within the VISION environment.

Qualifications

• We favor candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry or materials science.
• Candidates must have documented skills in atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
• Candidates should also have documented experience in one or more of the following areas: microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science.
• Strong skills in scientific programming, e.g. using Python, is expected.
• The candidate has obtained excellent grades in her/his Bachelor and Master educations, demonstrated outstanding problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills in both spoken and written English. Moreover, the candidates should also have proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team on a relevant scientific question.
• 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 scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 by Professor Christian D. Damsgaard, Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, 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).

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Christian D. Damsgaard (e-mail: [e-mail]), Professor Jakob Kibsgaard (email: [e-mail]), Professor Joerg R. Jinschek (email: [e-mail]), and Professor Stig Helveg (email: [e-mail]).

you can read more about VISION at www.vision.dtu.dk and DTU Physics at https://physics.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.

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

Application Deadline

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time).