Postdoc position for Developing new and Stable Iridium based Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting - DTU Physics

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU – Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a position focused on advanced membranes and doped Iridium oxide electrocatalysts for PEM electrolysers. The work aims to reduce Ir loading while enhancing stability under acidic conditions.

The successful candidate will synthesize materials, characterize them, and test them in RDE and EC-MS setups, collaborating with SurfCat and the Department of Physics. A PhD is required.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field (Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science).
• Extensive experience in synthesizing/characterizing/testing electrocatalysts.
• Experience with loadings optimization and corrosion studies using ICP-MS is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize doped Iridium oxide materials using chemical methods or sputter deposition.
• Test catalysts in rotating disk electrode and EC-MS setups.
• Collaborate with SurfCat and DTU teams; perform deeper insight studies and characterization.

Skills

Electrocatalysis

Synthesis

Characterization

Water electrolysis

ICP-MS measurements

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

ICP-MS

Surface science

EC-MS

RDE

Job description

Job Description

In a broad EU-collaboration, partly funded by Innovation Fund Denmark, on Advanced Membranes for Porous transport Layers and Electrodes (AMPLE), we are aiming at developing viable Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers for water splitting producing hydrogen.

Job Description

In a broad EU-collaboration, partly funded by Innovation Fund Denmark, on Advanced Membranes for Porous transport Layers and Electrodes (AMPLE), we are aiming at developing viable Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers for water splitting producing hydrogen.

Current technology works but relies on the scarce and expensive Iridium and a goal it therefore to further develop the technology making savings on the Ir-loading and at the same time enhance it stability towards corrosion.

We have a successful record of investigating new and stable Iridium-based nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution of water splitting under acidic conditions using mass-selected nanoparticles of IrTa-Oxides.

In this project, we want to further capitalize on this fundamental insight by synthesize doped Iridium oxide materials using chemical synthesis methods and/or sputter deposition on substrates made in our laboratory or substrates delivered from our collaborators.

Relevant materials can be tested in a rotating disk electrode (RDE)-setup or in our electrochemistry mass spectrometry (EC-MS) setup and deeper insight studies/characterization will be performed in our surface science laboratory or through visit to synchrotrons.

Qualifications

The successful candidate is well-motivated, hardworking, and willing/able to work as part of a team. The candidate must hold a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science and a profound experience/insight in electrocatalysis. Here it is absolute mandatory that the candidate has extensive experience with synthesizing/characterization/testing of electrocatalysts. Experience with optimizing loadings, measurements of corrosion phenomena using ICP-MS, and water electrolysis in general, including surface science methods, is considered an advantage.

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

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 1 year. The position is available from 1 November 2026, but for the optimal candidate later dates may be negotiated. You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

Should you have any queries regarding the positions, please contact Professor Ib Chorkendorff at [e-mail] . For further information about the research at SurfCat at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) please inspect www.surfcat.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.

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.