Post-doc in Discovering new Catalysts in the Cluster-Nanoparticle Transition Regime DTU Physics Denmark

Apply no later than 22 October 2017

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The position is Funded by the European Research Council under the advanced grant scheme (ERC-ADV). The overarching aim of this project is to provide new catalysts that may facilitate efficient sustainable energy conversion and thereby help phasing out fossil fuels. The position is at SurfCat, which is also leading the “The Villum Center for the Science of Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals” (V-SUSTAIN). 

The post-doc will perform in-silico screening DFT calculations and determine reactions rates for several processes for conversion of sustainable energy on small clusters/nanoparticles of oxides, nitrides, sulphides and phosphides. We want to investigate trends in reactivity of such entities and by modification of one or several metal sites search for reactivity that can potentially break the scaling relations allowing for more efficient catalysts used for either electrochemical HER, OER, ORR, CO2RR, NRR or thermal catalytic reactions such as productions of alcohols from CO2 and H2. The most interesting candidates will be attempted synthesized by a dual magnetron mass-selected cluster source attached to a fully equipped UHV-system which is dedicated to this project along with the necessary expertise. The catalysts will furthermore be characterized and tested completing a loop and feed results back to the theoretical input. The idea is that such a loop can direct synthesis in the search for highly efficient and selective catalysts. The work will be performed in close collaborations with our theory colleagues in V-SUSTAIN, at Copenhagen University, Stanford University, and DTU.

Qualifications 

The successful candidate is well-motivated, hardworking and willing and able to work as part of a team. The candidate is expected to have a PhD degree in Physics, but candidates with appropriate background and a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science will also be considered. It is mandatory that the candidate has extensive experience working DFT in relation to catalysis and is familiar with concepts such as trends in reactivity, scaling-relations and determining reaction rates.  

Salary and appointment terms 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years. The position is available from start of 2018 or later.

Further information 

For further information about the research at SurfCat at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) please inspect www.surfcat.dtu.dk.  

 

Should you have any queries regarding the positions, please contact Professor Ib

Chorkendorff ibchork@fysik.dtu.dk or Assistant Professor Jakob Kibsgaard jkib@fysik.dtu.dk.

Application 

Please submit your online application no later than 22 October 2017. Applications must be submitted as one PDF filecontaining all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include: 

• A cover letter motivating the application. (Max one page)

• A curriculum vitae

• A list of publications

• Copies of BSc, MSc and PhD degree diplomas,.

• Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of min. 2 references.

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply.

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