PhD project to be carried out at the SURFCAT section of DTU Physics. The CAPeX Pioneer Center identifies new materials for Power-2-X technologies and applications - i.e. finds materials to address the global energy problem.
To benchmark a new material experimentally, we must be able to detect reaction products with high sensitivity and good time-resolution. In close collaboration with your CAPeX colleagues, you will develop, engineer, and test new experimental approaches which push the state-of-the-art fast and sensitive product detection in electrochemical and electrocatalytic reactions. The key is the ability to sample the electrolyte near the working electrode and bring that to analysis instruments in a fast and repeatable way.
Research field: To accelerate materials discovery, the CAPeX approach to finding new electrocatalytic materials for energy conversion reactions uses state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, but experimental feedback is needed to improve the models and verify hits. Ideally, a fully automated and fast "loop" could be realized in which, 1, a promising material is predicted, 2, it is synthesized, 3, it is tested for activity and stability and, 4, the results are fed back into the predictive machine to improve it à repeat the loop.
This project focuses on step 3 in this cycle.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The project is mostly experimental and you will design, build and operate advanced electrochemical systems focused on product detection. The project builds upon many years of experience - for example with the "sniffer chip" which has been commercialized by a DTU spin-out (Spectroinlets) - but we have to move beyond what we already have in order to enable automated detection of non-volatile products. This will be your main objective.
In parallel, you will perform benchmarking on materials candidates emerging from CAPeX and collaborative research.
Key tasks include:
- Map out pros and cons of various strategies to upgrade the existing hardware to achieve the project objectives
- Execute the most promising approach
- Use the existing- and developing system to benchmark electrocatalysts
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.
You are highly motivated to help solve the global energy problem and you want to work in a big, diverse research project such as CAPeX. You are an experimentalist - second to none.
You have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Analytical electrochemistry
- Vacuum science/surface science
- MEMS chip design and fabrication including clean-room experience
- Robotics (perhaps at the hobby level)
The main analytical techniques which you will use besides analytical electrochemistry are QMS and ICPMS (mass spectrometry) and gas chromatography.
It is also probable that you will use CAD (e.g. for 3D printing), programming (e.g. Python) and MEMS chip design and fabrication.
You should therefore have a desire to learn new skills beyond your strong pre-existing skills - which will be evidenced by excellent grades in relevant courses. You are driven, self-motivating and have discipline and grit as demonstrated by your track record.
Excellent written and spoken English skills are mandatory.
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.
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter C. K. Vesborg, peter.vesborg@fysik.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the SURFCAT section of DTU Physcs at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/research/surfcat.
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 21 September 2025 (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
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.
About CAPeX
CAPeX is a 13-year and 300 MDKK “Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery”, funded by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, the Danish National Research Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Villum Foundation. CAPeX is hosted by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and co-hosted by Aalborg University (AAU) and unites leading experts from DTU, AAU, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark with international partners from Stanford University, Utrecht University, and the University of Toronto to form a truly Pioneering Center on P2X. You can read more about the CAPeX research themes and X-trails, our organization, and the other open Ph.D. and postdoc cohort positions at www.capex-p2x.com.
At CAPeX, we value diversity within our applicant pool and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to submit their applications. We believe that fostering diversity in the research environment enhances creativity and encourages cross-sectoral collaboration, ultimately contributing to the successful execution of excellent research. Through initiatives like the VILLUM FOUNDATION and Novo Nordisk Foundation's Living Labs initiative, we actively foster diversity and strive to improve gender balance. Currently, we are defining the #WomeninCAPeX network, aimed at supporting female talent and leadership in Power2X.
DTU Department of Physics prioritises research areas within modern physics which represents a significant basic scientific challenge and also has clear application perspectives. The department has a number of state-of-the-art research facilities, including a supercomputer. Furthermore, the Department of Physics coordinates the undergraduate and master study Physics and Nanotechnology.
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.