PhD Position in Material Chemistry at the Mads Clausen Institute – Sønderborg

University of Southern Denmark · Sønderborg

We are seeking an enthusiastic new colleague as a PhD student in the field of Materials Chemistry with a strong background, particularly in Solid State Chemistry and Crystal Structure Analysis, and interest in industrial applications and cooperation to join the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Sønderborg, Denmark. The position is for three years with a preferred starting date of March 1, 2027, or as soon as possible.

MCI is a part of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and covers research and education, including applications of engineering sciences. Our working language is English, reflecting the fact that far more than half of our students and staff are international. We are located at SDU’s beautiful campus in Sønderborg, in the inspiring building of Alsion, which is a centre for science, culture, and learning in the heart of Sønderborg and perched on the strait of water separating the island of Als from the mainland. The university has very close relations with industries in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany.

The successful candidate is expected to carry out research mainly within a project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The research work involves the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds based on mixed-anion compounds (e.g., transition metal (oxy)nitrides) and the evaluation of their performance in solar water splitting. Also, the successful candidate is expected to be actively involved in the supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students affiliated with SDU NanoSYD, preparing project reports, presentations, and publications, as well as writing grants for supporting research at SDU NanoSYD.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

Implementation of research tasks related to the project
Collaborative and independent research planning, materials synthesis and characterization, crystal structure analysis, and performance evaluation of materials in solar water splitting
Independent characterization, data analysis, and interpretation of research results
Scientific communication and presentation of research results at group seminars, scientific conferences, project meetings, etc.
Writing and publishing of project results in international high-impact scientific journals

Additional Responsibilities may be requested in:

Supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students who perform research work on similar research topics
Assistance in teaching activities
Assistance in the preparation of grant proposals for external funding
Assistance in laboratory organization and management

Qualifications (as required):

MSc degree in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Solid State Physics, or related fields
Proven hands-on experience and knowledge of various synthesis methods in solid-state chemistry, preferably the methods used for the synthesis of mixed-anion compounds
Technical skills in materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, XPS, SEM, etc.)
Technical skills in crystal structure analysis
Fluency in English (both spoken and written)
Ability to work both in teams and independently
Strong communication and social skills
Willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry

Qualifications (as assets):

Research experience in X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron radiation facilities
Research experience in solid state chemistry and crystal structure analysis
A track record of experience in writing scientific publications
Technical skills in scientific illustration and animation to deliver visual knowledge of the project
Proven record in participating in national and international research projects and programs
Strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group

Contact information

Further information is available from Prof. Mirabbos Hojamberdiev (mirabbos@mci.sdu.dk; Tel: +45 6550 7483 or the Head of the Institute, Prof. Dr. Horst-Günter Rubahn (rubahn@mci.sdu.dk).

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying, candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

One-page motivation letter that describes the applicant’s educational background and previous research experience most relevant to the offered position and the reason for applying to the PhD program.
Curriculum Vitae.
Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation).
List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
Research statement on developing novel mixed anion compounds, particularly metal (oxy)nitrides, for solar water splitting may also be included.
References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.
Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Enrollment and employment terms

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.075 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.

Read about SDU

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