Postdoc position for Investigating the Non-Scalable Quantum Size Regime in Catalysis - DTU Physics

1000scholars; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 520,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU's SurfCat seeks a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the non-scalable quantum size regime in catalysis. The role focuses on electrochemical testing of size-selected bimetallic clusters for CO2 reduction, with real-time detection by EC-MS.

You will work with in-house produced clusters, maintain sample integrity, and relate electrochemical results to STM, XPS, ISS, TEM and EXAFS data. The appointment is two years, with a salary aligned with Danish collective agreements and start date in

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Extensive hands-on experience in electrocatalysis is required.
• Experience with low catalyst loadings and product detection by mass spectrometry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrochemical activity testing of size-selected bimetallic cluster catalysts for CO2 reduction.
• Quantify intrinsic CO2RR activity and product selectivity at low site densities.
• Maintain sample integrity using UHV or inert-atmosphere transfer.
• Correlate electrochemical findings with structural data from STM, TEM, XPS, ISS and EXAFS.

Skills

Electrocatalysis

Mass spectrometry

Surface science

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

XPS

STM

TEM

EXAFS

ISS

Job description

The Section for Surface Physics & Catalysis (SURFCAT) is looking for candidates for a postdoc position for Investigating the Non-Scalable Quantum Size Regime in Catalysis.

This postdoctoral position is part of a Novo Nordisk Foundation funded project investigating the Non-Scalable Quantum Size Regime in Catalysis.

You will take charge of the electrochemical activity testing of size-selected bimetallic cluster catalysts for the electrochemical CO(2) reduction reaction (CO(2)RR), working with clusters produced in-house via a mass-selected cluster source. Your main task will be to quantify intrinsic CO(2)RR activity and, critically, product selectivity at the very low site densities characteristic of mass-selected cluster catalysts, using a membrane-based electrochemical mass spectrometry (EC-MS) setup for real-time, quantitative detection of gaseous and volatile liquid products. These measurements will together with atomic-scale structural characterization establish how quantum-size effects and heteroatomic ensembles in bimetallic clusters govern activity and selectivity.

Throughout, you will maintain strict sample integrity between synthesis and electrochemical testing (via UHV or inert-atmosphere transfer) to preserve true structure–function relationships, and you will correlate your electrochemical findings with structural and compositional data from STM, (S)TEM, XPS, ISS, and EXAFS, feeding results back into the project's closed-loop methodology.

Qualifications

The successful candidate is highly motivated, hardworking, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

Candidates must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science, along with profound experience and insight in electrocatalysis. Extensive hands‑on experience with characterization and testing of electrocatalysts is an absolute requirement. Experience working with low catalyst loadings, product detection by mass spectrometry, and surface science characterization methods is considered an advantage.

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 characterised 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 2 years. The position is available from 1 January 2027, but for the optimal candidate later dates may be negotiated.

Further information

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.

Should you have any queries regarding the positions, please contact Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, [e-mail].

You can read more about 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.

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.

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.