PhD Scholarship in Atomic-Level Study of Nanoclusters within Microporous 3D Frameworks – DTU Nanolab

Imagine ‘looking’ into a 3D microporous framework and seeing nanoclusters consisting of just a few atoms. In collaboration with the TU Munich, you will push the boundaries in electron microscopy to improve the design of precisely engineered atom clusters for catalytic applications.
The National Centre for Nanofabrication and Characterization (DTU Nanolab) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking a PhD student to develop methods for atomic scale characterization of functional metal nanoclusters (NP) and their distribution within a three-dimensional (3D) microporous crystalline framework (Matrix).

You will join the research group of Prof. Joerg Jinschek, where you’ll advance electron microscopy and spectroscopy to improve our understanding of nanoclusters, just a few atoms in size, and their crucial role in catalysis. The project is part of interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research, in close collaboration with the group of Prof. Roland Fischer (Chair of Inorganic and Metal-Organic Chemistry) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM, Germany).

You will become a key player in advancing our integrated synthesis-characterization loop, bridging atom-precise materials design at TUM with atomic-scale characterization of these fascinating inorganic/organic 3D nanostructures at DTU. Together, we'll tackle fundamental questions about the structure-property relationships of functional NP@Matrix, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in chemical and materials science.

See our joint review article: DOI: 10.1039/D1CS00992C (Chem. Soc. Rev. 51, 9933, 2022).

At DTU Nanolab, you will have access to brand new, state-of-the-art (scanning) transmission electron microscopes to further develop, for example, 3D electron diffraction (micro-ED), low-dose/high-sensitivity phase-contrast imaging in TEM and/or STEM (EWR, iDPC, ptychography), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS).

Responsibilities and qualifications
In the research group “Nano-Micro-Macro: Structure in Materials” we pursue an interdisciplinary approach to uncover the fundamental relationships between structure, function and properties with the aim of translating atomic-level insights into fascinating new technologies. We focus primarily on the application of state-of-the-art electron microscopy and advanced modeling/simulation techniques to achieve previously unattainable spatial, temporal and energy resolutions.

This enables us to delve into complex interactions at the smallest scales, gain new insights and pave the way for innovative advances.

The research focus here is on atom-precise characterization of functional nanoparticles (with the size of a few atoms) embedded in three-dimensional (3D) microporous crystalline framework structures.

Tasks (in close collaboration with our collaboration partner at TU Munich):

• Develop a fundamental understanding of state-of-the-art electron microscopy.
• Develop an understanding of materials synthesis and engineering for the atom-precise ‘loading’ of few-atom -size metal nanoparticles (NP) into 3D porous crystalline support structures (Matrix), e.g. organic frameworks.
• Determine structural phenomena in NP@Matrix composites.
• Understand structure/property relationships in NP@Matrix composites.

Characteristics:

• You are interested in cutting-edge research and have a master-level degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or in a similar relevant field.
• You are interested in working in interdisciplinary and international research collaboration.
• You are a team player and have talent in collaborating with others and seamlessly integrating information.
• You have a fundamental interest in the state-of-the-art material characterization of functional nanomaterials at the atomic level.
• You want to learn how data correlation revolutionizes materials science and engineering.

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 Joerg Jinschek.

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 position is a full-time position. The earliest possible start date is 1 March 2025, or the next mutually agreed date thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Joerg Jinschek, email: [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at www.nanolab.dtu.dk and about the research group at ww.nanolab.dtu.dk/research/nano-micro-macro-structure-in-materials and https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/organisations/nano-micro-macro-structure-in-materials.

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 15 December 2024 (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:

• Cover letter (introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in a PhD position)
• Statement of purpose (your general research interests and career goals and how these align with the outlined research direction of this position) – essential, will be read first.
• 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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As the position involves research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, among other things, open-source background checks will be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Nanolab is a common infrastructure and research facility located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. DTU Nanolab houses a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center. The work carried out at DTU Nanolab spans the range of basic topographical studies to highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter.

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.

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