We invite applications for a 3-year PhD scholarship at DTU Energy. The project will focus on experimental investigations of synthesis, stability, and decomposition mechanisms of molecular active materials for aqueous organic flow batteries with the aim to develop new high-potential organic flow battery electrolytes with unprecedented stability. The experimental work will be done in close collaboration with a computational counterpart.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful applicant will contribute to the development of new and more stable redox-active organic materials for use in aqueous flow batteries. The degradation of several new types of materials will be investigated in collaboration with the computational counterpart who will incorporate the new insights into a computational framework designed to predict the degradation mechanisms of organic electrolytes, ultimately enabling inverse design of extremely durable electrolyte materials.

Detailed electrochemical investigations using state-of-the-art flow reactors and an array of in-line sensors and ex-situ analytical instruments will be used to generate new insight about reaction and decomposition mechanisms. Low-cost and green synthetic routes will be explored for chemical modification of the investigated types of molecules.

A qualified applicant will have a demonstrated aptitude for electrochemistry/electrochemical engineering and synthetic organic chemistry or related research. Experience with analytical methods such as chromatography and NMR is considered an additional asset. Working knowledge of electrochemistry and organic materials at the MSc level is expected.

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 Prof. Johan Hjelm and Prof. Piotr de Silva.

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 employment is expected to start 1 October 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 may be obtained from Prof. Johan Hjelm ([email protected])

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 20 July 2026 (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)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Personal statement on future career goals
• Letters of recommendation (optional)
• Names and contact details of two references

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 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 educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-07-20T21:59:00+00:00