PhD scholarship in Atomic Scale Modelling of Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction - DTU Energy

Do you want to contribute to a sustainable future based on electrochemical energy technologies? At the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) at the Technical University of Denmark our research is targeting exactly this, and we are looking for a new PhD student to join the Section for Atomic Scale Materials Modelling at DTU Energy. Water electrolysis in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis cells is attractive due to the high efficiency and fast response time. The use of scarce and expensive raw materials such as iridium at the anode, however, severely limits widespread deployment of PEM electrolysis technologies and significant efforts towards reducing or eliminating the use of iridium are needed.

Responsibilities and qualifications
In this project, the successful candidate will use atomic-scale simulation techniques based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) to identify promising iridium-lean catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at PEM electrolysis cell anodes. The DFT calculations will be combined with computational approaches such as machine learning and genetic algorithms to efficiently optimize catalyst structure and composition.The project will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental groups at DTU, which will test your predictions in the lab.

Your primary tasks are to

• Develop and apply methods to predict the durability of iridium-lean catalysts
• Develop and apply computational methods to identify promising iridium-lean catalysts
• Validate model predictions against experimental data

Qualified applicants must

• be innovative and able to work in cross-disciplinary teams
• have a background in chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, data science, or a similar field
• have good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• be able to work independently
• take responsibility of the progress and quality of projects

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.

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 .

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Juan Maria García Lastra and Associate Professor Heine Anton Hansen

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. Starting date is August 1st 2023 (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 may be obtained from Associate Professor Heine Anton Hansen, heih@dtu.dk

You can read more about  DTU Energy at www.energy.dtu.dk

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 30 April 2023 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, electromechanical converters, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. The Department, which has more than 200 employees, was founded in 2012. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk

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.