DTU Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Surface Physics and Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Solutions DTU Physics

Are you ready to develop refine and lead cutting-edge ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methodologies for surface science and catalysis in sustainable energy conversion

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites exceptional candidates to apply for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor position in Surface Physics and Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Solutions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to build a research career centered on the design construction and advancement of state-of-the-art UHV platforms for atomic-scale surface characterization and reaction studies. The successful candidate will drive innovation in experimental UHV techniques - integrating precision surface preparation surface science-based characterization and catalytic performance evaluation - to accelerate breakthroughs in Power-to-X (P2X) materials and processes.

The appointment is hosted by the Department of Physics (DTU Physics) at Technical University of Denmark and anchored in the Section for Experimental Surface Physics and Catalysis (SURFCAT) a leading environment for advanced UHV-based surface research. The position is strongly integrated into the Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery (CAPeX) a major long-term initiative focused on accelerating materials discovery for sustainable fuel and chemical production.

Why DTU
We offer you an internationally leading research environment inspiring teaching of excellent graduate and undergraduate students and an ambitious DTU innovation ecosystem. We emphasize and encourage collaboration between theory and experiment and across disciplines - and build on using and developing state-of-the art methods and instrumentation. Our experimental facilities span ultra-high vacuum surface science electrochemistry thermal catalysis and atomic-scale microscopy enabling research from fundamental mechanisms to realistic operating conditions.

Research Environment
SURFCAT conducts fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis covering:

• Development of catalytic theory and computational design principles
• Atomic-scale studies on single crystals and mass-selected nanoparticles
• Synthesis characterization and testing of high-surface-area catalysts under realistic conditions

The research focuses on reactions essential for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals.

CAPeX brings together leading Power-to-X researchers from five Danish and three international universities to deliver transformative advances in sustainable materials discovery. By integrating computational materials design operando characterization scalable synthesis robotics digital twins and machine learning CAPeX is redefining how new P2X materials are discovered and developed.

Commitment to Diversity
We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to submit their applications. We strongly believe that fostering diversity in the research environment enhances creativity and promotes transdisciplinary collaboration ultimately contributing to the successful execution of excellent research and innovation. We are striving to build a vibrant team that reflects our commitment to excellence diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will assume a leading role in advancing ultra-high vacuum (UHV)based methodologies and experimental infrastructures that enables research into the transition toward a non-fossil energy society. The position focuses on the conception design and implementation of advanced UHV systems for atomic-scale investigations of catalytic materials relevant to energy conversion processes. By combining state-of-the-art surface science techniques with integrated activity measurements the candidate will establish quantitative structurefunction relationships and generate mechanistic insight into catalytic activity selectivity and stability under rigorously controlled conditions. A central component of the role is the methodological development and architectural design of customized UHV platforms tailored to cutting-edge catalysis research.

Key Tasks:

• Lead the design and development of UHV methodologies and advanced experimental systems for atomic-scale energy catalysis research.
• Integrate catalytic activity measurement capabilities into UHV platforms
• Establish robust structurefunction relationships in catalytic materials
• Provide mechanistic understanding of catalytic activity selectivity and stability under well-defined conditions

The position involves close collaboration with colleagues at DTU and the CAPeX center as well as active engagement with leading academic and industrial partners in Denmark and internationally. The candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives with significant scientific depth and societal relevance.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science or a closely related discipline and present a strong record of scientific excellence. This includes peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and/or presentations at major international conferences along with documented experience in teaching and candidate must be able to teach in physics courses as part of the DTU Physics course curriculum.

The ideal candidate will combine a strong research background in electro- and/or thermal catalysis with advanced expertise in UHV-based surface science techniques including STM XPS AES and TPD. Essential to the role is demonstrated proficiency in the operation troubleshooting and long-term maintenance of complex ultra-high vacuum instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on clearly documented experience in the design construction integration and sustained operation of UHV systems evidencing the ability to independently build optimize and further develop state-of-the-art UHV platforms for catalytic materials research.

You must be responsible for the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research experience
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership collaboration and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

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.

Starting date is according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

The position is part of DTUs Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment processhere.

You can read more about career paths at DTUhere.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of DTU Physics Jane Hvolbæk Nielsen and Professor Jakob Kibsgaard.

You can read more about DTU Physics at If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 September 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 must include:

• Application (cover letter)that includes a detailed documentation of your experience in the design construction integration and experimental application of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Vision for teaching and researchfor the tenure track period
• CV including employment history list of publications H-index and ORCID (see portfolioincluding documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

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.

At DTU Physics we perform research in fundamental and applied physics areas and we use and develop state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical methods. We have a broad effort in materials physics and design catalysis quantum optics sensing and communication biophysics plasma physics and continuum physics. Our research impacts society with new sustainable energy technologies secure digital communication medical technology and new analytical methods. We use and develop basic theory next-generation instrumentation and software and we aim to make our data publicly accessible and usable.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.