PhD scholarship in “live” Visualization of Nanoparticle Catalysts at the Atomic-Scale - DTU Physics

Jobbeskrivelse

Are you passionate about pushing the frontier of catalysis science? The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is offering multiple PhD scholarships in 2026 focusing on nanoparticle catalysis using advanced operando electron microscopy. If you thrive in a collaborative, cutting-edge setting and want to make a global impact, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities and qualifications

The PhD scholarships address four exciting topics. For all positions, you will collaborate closely with a group of PhD students, postdocs and international leading scientists, all working at the technological edge of modern electron microscopy for advancing catalysis science. The four topics are:

• Designing Superior Catalytic Sites
  • Explore nanoparticle surfaces and electrocatalysis using cutting-edge experimental tools to understand catalysis for sustainable chemical reactions.
  • The tasks can include:
  • Preparation of well-defined nanoparticles using e.g. size-selected cluster sources.
  • Catalytic testing using ultra-sensitive chip-interfaced electrochemistry–mass spectrometry (EC–MS) and ultra-high-vacuum-compatible thermal catalytic setups.
  • 3D atomic-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of nanoparticles using advanced broad- and focused-beam transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques.
• Structure–Catalysis Relationships at the Atomic Scale
  • Use custom-fabricated nanoreactors and operando electron microscopy to reveal how single nanoparticles drive catalytic processes.
  • The tasks can include:
  • Preparation of nanoreactors with size-selected nanoparticles for gas-phase catalysis.
  • Development and application of ultrasensitive methods to probe gas–surface interactions by means of electron spectroscopy.
  • Operando studies of catalysts using low dose-rate and dose atomic-resolution TEM.
  • Linking 3D atomic structure, dynamics, and catalytic function of individual nanoparticles.
  • Identifying and stabilizing uniquely active nanoparticles to uncover atomistic mechanisms for catalysis of sustainable chemical processes.
• Visualizing Chemical Dynamics in Real Time
  • Apply advanced atomic-resolution imaging and image analysis to uncover surface dynamics, reactivity and molecular interactions.
  • The tasks can include:
  • Visualization of single nanoparticles during thermal catalysis using time-resolved, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
  • Development of quantitative image analysis to extract information on atomic dynamics from image series.
  • Investigate molecular adsorption, surface reconstruction and site-dependent reactivity at the single-atom level.
  • Understanding of atomic mechanisms and kinetics to stabilize highly active but metastable surface motifs sustainable catalytic processes.
• Modeling Atomic Processes on Nanoparticles
  • Develop atomistic models and machine-learning potentials to interpret experimental data and predict catalytic performance.
  • The tasks can include:
  • Advancing equivariant neural network potentials (ENNPs) to model nanoparticle energy surfaces.
  • Building atom-explicit ground-state models of supported and unsupported nanoparticles.
  • Modeling catalytic reaction kinetics to identify active sites and reaction barriers, integrating experimental TEM data.
  • Comparing adsorbate-induced nanoparticle morphologies with ENNP-based simulated TEM data for coherent interpretation.

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.

Your application must specify which research topic appeals most to your ambitions and include a concise description of your research skills and experience.

We favor candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. For Topic 1-3, candidates must have documented skills in atomic-resolution electron microscopy/spectroscopy, microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science. For Topic 4, candidates must have documented skills within computational modelling of atomistic processes. For all topics, experience in scientific programming, e.g. using Python, is expected.

As we work in international environment it is important that you have a good communication skills in both spoken and written English, and experience in working independently and in a team.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate 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 Associate Professor Christian Damsgaard, Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, Professor Peter Vesborg, 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).

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Interviews are held on an ongoing basis. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.