PhD Scholarships in “live”electron microscopy in catalysisat the atomic-scale – DTU Physics

European Microscopy Society; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 480,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

European Microscopy Society (EMS) presents a PhD scholarship opportunity at DTU Physics in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, focusing on operando, atomic-scale TEM to observe catalysts in real time. The role integrates catalysis, materials science, and quantum sciences within the VISION environment.

You will work with the VISION PRIME microscope, develop Python tools, and collaborate with computational researchers to reveal mechanisms and design next-generation catalysts.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics, chemistry or materials science.
• Documented skills in atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
• Experience with microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science.
• Strong skills in Python or scientific programming.

Responsibilities

• Perform operando, low-dose-rate TEM to capture real-time atomic-scale catalyst dynamics.
• Advance ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas–surface interactions 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 links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles.
• Collaborate with computational researchers on mechanisms and kinetics.
• Contribute to high-impact publications and present at conferences.
• Shape new research directions within the VISION environment.

Skills

Atomic-resolution TEM

Python programming

Education

PhD degree (or equivalent)

Tools

Microfabricated devices

2D materials

Catalysis

Surface science

Job description

European Microscopy Society (EMS)

European Microscopy Society

PhD Scholarships in “live”electron microscopy in catalysisat the atomic-scale – DTU Physics

Institution: DTU Physics | Location: Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Job Description

Are you driven to observe catalysts in action—atom by atom, in real time, under realistic conditions? Do you want to use state-of-the-art electron microscopy to answer fundamental questions at the frontier between catalysis, chemical, materials and quantum sciences?

We are recruiting Postdocs to explore catalytic materials using state-of-the-art operando, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

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

Your application must include a concise description of your research skills and experience. 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.

Moreover, the candidate should have obtained an excellent academic track record, 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 an international top‑research team on a relevant scientific question.

Formal qualification: As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We Offer & Terms of Employment

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.

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: DTU Salary Structures.

It is a full-time position, and the period of employment is 2 years. The starting date is as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement).

Further Information

• Professor Christian D. Damsgaard (email: [e-mail])
• Professor Joerg R. Jinschek (email: [e-mail])
• Professor Stig Helveg (email: [e-mail])

You can read more about VISION at www.vision.dtu.dk and DTU Physics at 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.

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.

About VISION & DTU

The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and located at DTU Physics. VISION has developed a new transmission electron microscope platform, VISION PRIME, for visualizing catalytic nanoparticles and reactions at the atomic-level and integrates with cutting‑edge TEM methodologies, microfabricated nanoreactors, nanoparticle synthesis and computational modelling.

VISION’s activities are centered in DTU’s new “Climate Challenge Laboratory” building. The new laboratory hosts the VISION center, the Surface Physics and Catalysis section, the CatTheory section and the newly established Pioneer Center, CAPeX, as a vibrant collaborative research environment with internationally leading scientists in the fields of catalysis and power‑to‑X.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829:

DTU is one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe’s global leadership in sustainable technological development. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees.

Apply Before: 09/30/2026, 11:59 PM

Location: Fysikvej, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, DK

Contact

Josephine Thrane Klinge

Executive Administration Officer

Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes / VISION

Mob: [phone]

[e-mail]

Fysikvej

Building 313, 1st floor, room 126

2800 Kgs. Lyngby

www.dtu.dk/english

European Microscopy Society (EMS)

Contact: [e-mail]