PhD scholarship in Functional Polymers as Active Environments for Complex Electrochemical Reactions - DTU Energy

Are you pursuing your scientific career in polymer science, materials chemistry, or electrochemistry, and looking for the best possible platform to launch your research ambitions? This is your chance to join a newly established alliance PhD project between DTU Energy and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project at the interface of polymer chemistry and electrocatalysis. Complex electrocatalytic reactions that form new carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bonds offer a sustainable, fossil-free route to fertilizers and commodity chemicals, strengthening Europe's position in critical clean technologies. How well these reactions proceed depends strongly on the interface between the catalyst and the electrolyte. The overarching aim of the project is to define and tune how the polymer microenvironment governs a multistep electrochemical reaction, and to translate this understanding into design principles for functional polymer surface enhancers for C-N coupling.

The project is based at DTU Energy, which has a strong track record in the development and characterization of functional and ion-solvating polymers for energy conversion and storage. As an Alliance PhD project, it includes an extended research stay of at least 6 months at the TU/e Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Marta Costa Figueiredo, whose group specializes in electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary tasks will include:

• Design, synthesis, and surface-grafting of polymers on catalyst/electrode surfaces
• Functionalization of grafted polymers to tune the reaction microenvironment
• Physicochemical characterization of the resulting polymer layers (e.g. thickness, wettability, stability, swelling behavior, morphology)
• Evaluation of electrocatalytic C-N bond formation performance (selectivity and product formation rates) as a function of polymer design
• An extended research stay (minimum 6 months) at TU/e under the co-supervision of Dr. Marta Costa Figueiredo
• Data analysis, joint interpretation of results with collaborators at both institutions, and iterative polymer redesign

Qualifications

• Knowledge of, or hands-on experience with, polymer synthesis and/or functionalization is an advantage
• Hands-on experience with one or several material characterization techniques (SAXS, SEM, XPS) is an advantage
• Research experience with electrochemistry/electrochemical characterization techniques
• Strong innovative and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of an international, multidisciplinary team spanning two institutions
• Knowledge of Python
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

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 in chemistry, chemical engineering, or sustainable energy.

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.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years.

The starting date is 1 March 2027 (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 Assistant Professor Anastasiia Konovalova (anak@dtu.dk), Department of Energy Conversion and Storage.

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 9 October 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
• Proof of relevant experience in polymer functionalization and/or characterization (publications, conference proceedings, etc.)

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.

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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.