PhD scholarship in Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Chemical Synthesis – DTU Chemistry

At DTU Chemistry we are developing pioneering electrocatalytic strategies to form carbon-nitrogen carbon-sulphur and other vital bonds.

As a PhD student in our team you will be at the forefront of designing catalysts and using advanced operando tools such as Raman spectroscopy to uncover how these reactions happen at the atomic and molecular level. Your work will help pave the way for greener routes to fuels fertilizers and materials. The PhD scholarship is a three-year position starting in February 2026.

You will join the new research group of Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog working at the crossroads of electrochemistry catalysis and spectroscopy. Here you will find an international collaborative and supportive environment where creativity is encouraged and your contribution matters to advance the green transition.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student you will:

• Explore new electrocatalytic pathways to create valuable products from abundant molecules.
• Apply operando spectroscopy such as Raman spectroscopy to capture reaction intermediates and catalyst dynamics under realistic conditions.
• Detect and analyze products in real time using state-of-the-art analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with international partners and help build new experimental platforms for sustainable electrosynthesis.
• Share your discoveries through publications in leading journals and presentations at international conferences.

We are seeking a curious and ambitious PhD candidate who thrives on scientific challenges and collaboration. The ideal candidate holds a MSc degree in chemistry chemical engineering physics materials science or another relevant field. They demonstrate enthusiasm creativity persistence and a sharp eye for detail. A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute to a positive research environment in our lab are essential. Documented experience in electrochemistry is required and additional skills in materials synthesis spectroscopy or programming will be considered an advantage. Strong communication skills in English both spoken and written are also expected.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicant will be made by Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog.

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. The starting date is February 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information about the open PhD position may be obtained from Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog () and Professor Søren Kegnæs ().

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at .

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than11 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter) including how your past research experience and interests align with the core mission of our lab and how training with us will support your long-term career goals.
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications (if any). DO NOT upload scientific articles.
• Contact details of two individuals that can provide a letter of reference.

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters 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 Department of Chemistryperforms research educational activities and innovation at a high international level within e.g. energy catalysis and materials. The overall aim is to contribute with new knowledge about basic scientific problems and carry out research with vast application perspectives - to the benefit of both society and companies.

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.