Postdoc in Experimental Surface Science for: Discovering New Dual and Triple Atom Catalysts – DTU Physics

The position is at the SurfCat section at the Department of Physics. Here we enjoy a social, open and transparent scientific environment. The students will be able to take full advantage of the large number of personnel working in adjacent fields of investigation, from surface science on single crystals to the testing of high surface area catalysts in reactors.
The position is funded by the DETECT project which is an ERC-COG grant from the European Research Council. The overarching aim of this project is to discover and establish new fundamental insight into the catalytic activity of duel and triple atom catalysts. Reactions of interest includes:

• Hydrogen peroxide formation
• CO2 reduction
• Ammonia synthesis

The position is at the SurfCat section at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Here we enjoy a social, open and transparent scientific environment. The students will be able to take full advantage of the large number of personnel working in adjacent fields of investigation, from surface science on single crystals to the testing of high surface area catalysts in reactors.

The position will be focused on synthesis, characterization and testing of the dual and triple atom catalysts using state-of-the-art in-house. Specifically, the work will involve:

• Well-controlled dual and triple atom catalysts will be prepared using a UHV-compatible magnetron-based cluster source with time-of-flight mass filter.
• Samples will be characterized in detail using e.g. STM, TEM, TPD, XPS, ISS to probe dispersity and chemical state of the prepared dual and triple atom catalysts.
• The catalytic activity the thermal reactions can be investigated in a newly constructed high-pressure cell on the UHV system, or the electrocatalytic activity can be investigated by other group members.

The work will rely heavily on a close collaboration between theory and experiment, where computational screening may identify the most promising catalysts. It will therefore be in collaboration with theoreticians at DTU.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate is well-motivated, willing and able to work as part of a team. The candidate should have a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.

It is absolutely mandatory that the candidate has extensive experience working with UHV-systems/methods and experience with clusters/nanoparticles, methods such as STM, XPS, AES and heterogeneous catalysis is highly desirable. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement.

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

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by: Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, DTU Physics and Professor Ib Chorkendorff, DTU Physics.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
If you need further information concerning the position, please contact Professor Jakob Kibsgaard at [email protected]. Please do not send applications to these e-mail addresses, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about SurfCat at www.physics.dtu.dk/research/sections/surfcat.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time). 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:

• Application (cover letter, Max one page)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (BSc/ MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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