Postdoc in Electrocatalysis In-situ Spectroscopic Studies of Three-dimensional Active Sites to Break the Scaling Relations DTU Energy

If youre aspiring to build a career as a scientist in experimental electrocatalysis and are looking for opportunities to pursue your dreams and ambitions here is a perfect opportunity for you.

Electrocatalysts are essential materials for producing green fuels and chemicals. Conventional electrocatalysts with two-dimensional active sites however have a fundamentally limited efficiency for facilitating complex reactions that involve three or more reaction intermediates due to the scaling relations.

In CAT3D a five-year Villum Young Investigator project that fully funds this postdoc position along with an additional postdoc and one PhD position we will tackle this grand challenge by fabricating and studying electrocatalysts with three-dimensional active site structures. With concerted and concentrated research efforts we aim to pave the way for developing the next-generation electrocatalysts for a broad range of green technologies.

At DTU Energy we have a long-standing legacy in research and development of sustainable energy conversion technologies. We are recognized as global leaders in this field supported by state-of-the-art facilities and deep expertise. Our infrastructure spans the full spectrum from fundamental electrochemical studies to the fabrication of lab-scale components and devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary research focus of this postdoc position is to develop and employ multiple in-situ spectroscopic techniques including but not limited to surface-enhanced IR and Raman to investigate the reaction intermediates of electrocatalysts with 3D active site structures for a variety of reactions such as oxygen reduction oxygen evolution and CO₂ reduction.

We welcome candidates with a passion for unraveling the fundamental principles governing electrocatalytic applicants will have strong expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Electrocatalytic Mechanisms: In-depth understanding of electrocatalytic reaction pathways particularly scaling relationships and their implications for catalyst design.
2. Spectroscopy and Instrumentation: Hands-on experience in the design construction and operation of in-situ spectroscopic setups especially electrochemical flow cells and surface-enhanced IR and Raman techniques.
3. Catalyst Development: experience in synthesizing characterizing and evaluating nanostructured electrocatalysts.
4. Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication abilities in English with a strong commitment to collaborative research and scientific dissemination.

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

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 3 years. The preferred starting date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). This position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Yang Hu ()

You can read more about DTU Energy 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 15 November 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
• List of publications
• Research ideas on the specific topic in question (optional)

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 Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy)focuses on research and development of functional materials components and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells electrolysis power-to-x batteries and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry atomic scale and multi-physics modelling autonomous materials discovery materials processing and structural analyses. We also focus on educatingengineering students at all levels ranging from BSc MSc PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at.

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 UNs 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 13500 students and 6000 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.