Postdoc in Integrated Direct Air Capture (e-DAC) and CO2 Utilization - DTU Energy

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 389,000 - 583,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Energy seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance computational design and analysis of redox-active materials for integrated electrochemical direct air capture and CO2 conversion. The role blends high-level modeling with experimental validation in collaboration with a DTU Energy team.

The candidate will develop molecular- and system-level insights, mentoring junior researchers and contributing to interdisciplinary work spanning computation and experiment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a strong publication record.
• Experience in electrochemical CO2 capture, CO2 conversion, or integrated capture–conversion.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; strong communication.
• Experience with DFT and Python is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the computational design and analysis of redox-active materials and electrochemical systems for integrated e-DAC.
• Develop molecular- and system-level understanding to improve efficiency, stability and energy performance.
• Perform computational modeling, data analysis and visualization, and collaborate with experimental teams.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.

Skills

Electrochemistry

CO2 capture

CO2 conversion

Organic chemistry

Computational chemistry

Molecular modeling

DFT calculations

Python

English communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering/Materials Science/Engineering/Computational Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Electrochemistry

Job description

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to conduct fundamental and applied research in electrochemical direct air capture and conversion (e-DAC) at DTU Energy, tackling one of today's most pressing climate challenges. The project addresses key scientific and technological challenges associated with capturing CO 2 directly from ambient air and converting it into valuable products.

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with demonstrated expertise in electrochemical CO 2 capture, CO 2 conversion, or integrated capture–conversion systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and computational chemistry or molecular modeling, together with hands‑on experimental experience in electrochemical CO 2 capture and/or conversion. Candidates should have a proven research track record in this field, evidenced by high-quality publications, and be capable of independently driving interdisciplinary research that integrates computational design with experimental validation.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Your primary responsibility will be to lead the computational design and analysis of redox‑active materials and electrochemical systems for integrated electrochemical direct air capture and CO 2 conversion (e-DAC). The overarching goal is to develop a molecular- and system‑level understanding of these processes to improve the efficiency, stability, and energy performance of next‑generation e-DAC technologies. The work will be primarily computational, complemented by targeted experimental validation in close collaboration with an established experimental research team at DTU Energy.

The project will involve designing and optimizing integrated e-DAC systems for the selective conversion of captured CO 2 into value‑added C 2 + products using advanced electrocatalytic systems. You will also perform computational modeling, data analysis, and visualization, while contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations and mentoring junior researchers where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in chemical engineering, materials science or engineering, computational chemistry, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, or a closely related field, with a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in electrochemical CO 2 capture, CO 2 conversion, or integrated capture-conversion systems.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research priorities independently.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating creativity and innovation.
• Experience in experimental catalysis synthesis and electrochemical reactor engineering design would be an asset.
• Experience with DFT (density functional theory) calculations applied to CO₂ capture and conversion materials is an asset.
• Experience with Python, especially in the context of data analysis and automation, is a plus. Fluent in both spoken and written English, demonstrating strong communication skills.

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

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Assistant Professor Maryam Abdinejad ([e-mail]) and Head of Section Johan Hjelm ([e-mail]).

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 terms of employment

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: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures .

The period of employment is 3 years.

The position is a full-time position with a preferred starting date 1 November 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

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

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Maryam Abdinejad ([e-mail]).

You can read more about DTU Energy at www.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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to‑x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk.

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. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.