PhD Scholarships in “live” electron microscopy in catalysis at the atomic-scale - DTU Physics

Technical University of Denmark · Kongens Lyngby

Are you driven to observe catalysts in action atom-by-atom, in real time, under realistic conditions? Do you want to use state-of-the-art electron microscopy to answer fundamental questions at the frontier between catalysis, chemical, materials and quantum sciences?

We are recruiting PhD scholarships to explore catalytic materials using state-of-the-art operando, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Why join VISION?
At VISION, you will join a highly collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research environment where advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy, microfabricated reactors, catalysis, cluster science, and computational modelling come together to reveal how catalysts function at the atomic scale.

This is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious researchers who want to shape the frontier of “live” electron microscopy and wants to build foundation for independent academic or corporate research career.

Your Impact
Catalysts are metastable nanomaterials. Their active surface sites dynamically restructure during adsorption and reaction of molecules. However, many of these processes remain hidden because they occur at the atomic scale and in real time.

Your research will address this challenge by using the new VISION PRIME electron microscope, a state-of-the-art instrument designed for operando and low-dose-rate atomic-resolution TEM studies.

You will contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes and help guide the design of next-generation catalyst materials.

What You’ll Do
Depending on your background and interests, you will undertake research activities such as:

Performing operando, low-dose-rate TEM to capture real-time atomic-scale catalyst dynamics
Advancing ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas–surface interactions, molecular adsorption, and active-site formation
Fabricate and use microfabricated reactors for realistic catalytic environments
Visualize, quantify and interpret nanoparticle restructuring, vibrations, and surface dynamics
Develop and apply Python-based image/data analysis tools for large time-resolved TEM datasets
Establish quantitative links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles
Collaborate with computational researchers to atomic-scale mechanisms, kinetics, and strategies for stabilizing active catalytic structures
Contribute to high-impact scientific publications and present your results at international conferences.
Take an active role in shaping new research directions within the VISION environment.

Qualifications
We favor candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. Candidates must have documented skills in atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Candidates should also have documented experience in one or more of the following areas: microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science. Strong skills in scientific programming, e.g. using Python, is expected.

The candidate has obtained excellent grades in her/his Bachelor and Master educations, demonstrated outstanding problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills in both spoken and written English. Moreover, the candidates should also have proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team on a relevant scientific question.
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.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 by Professor Christian D. Damsgaard, Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, 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).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Christian D. Damsgaard (e-mail: cdda@dtu.dk), Professor Jakob Kibsgaard (email: jkib@fysik.dtu.dk), Professor Joerg R. Jinschek (email: jojin@dtu.dk), and Professor Stig Helveg (email: stihe@dtu.dk).

You can read more about VISION at www.vision.dtu.dk and 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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 October 2026 (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:

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

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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.

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.

The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and located at DTU Physics. VISION is developing and applying a new unique platform for visualizing catalytic nanoparticles and reactions at the atomic-level by integrating cutting-edge electron microscopy, microfabricated nanoreactors, nanoparticle synthesis and computational modelling. This approach enables new, direct operando observations that are urgently needed to advance mechanistic insight into catalytic processes at the atomic-scale.

VISION’s activities are centered around a new one-of-a-kind electron microscope, housed in DTU’s new "Climate Challenge Laboratory" building. The new laboratory hosts the VISION center, the Surface Physics and Catalysis section, the CatTheory section and the newly established Pioneer Center, CAPeX, as a vibrant collaborative research environment with internationally leading scientists in the fields of catalysis and power-to-X.

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.

Join VISION to explore catalysts atom by atom in real time using cutting edge operando TEM. Be part of a world class, interdisciplinary environment pushing the frontier of “live” electron microscopy and shaping next generation catalytic science.

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