Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The position is available from August 2026 or later.
Title:
Readvertisement: Converting CO2 on atomically defined electrocatalyst materials – a surface science approach
Research area and project description:
As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to become part of the Interfaces and Catalysis group at Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University. We are a team of interdisciplinary researchers, applying experimental surface physics and chemistry methods to address the fundamental structure and chemical activity of surfaces for catalysis and electrocatalysis.
Advanced Techniques: Our methods include cutting-edge experimental techniques like scanning probe microscopy (SPM), electron microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) carried out at leading synchrotrons, or in our own lab using a brand new near-ambient pressure NAP-XPS instrument capable of analyzing gas-solid and liquid-solid interfaces. We work with synthesis of planar catalyst model systems that have the advantage that we can use experimental tools to observe catalyst structure in atomic detail and monitor catalytic surface reactions “live” while they are active. The in-situ techniques provide real-time insight into the detailed structure and chemical composition of a surface and how it determines electrocatalytic catalytic properties for e.g. CO2 conversion.
The PhD project will research new electrocatalysts that make use of single-atom (SAC) and dual-atom catalyst (DAC) motifs in compounds for controlling selectivity in electrochemical CO2 reduction. You will learn how to use atom-resolved imaging and spectroscopy and how to synthesize tailor-made model systems that will allow you to research how particular chemical and structural features control electrocatalytic selectivity for CO2 conversion.
The position is based at Aarhus University and takes place within the ‘Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery’ (CAPeX) (https://capex.dtu.dk/) where you will be collaboration with fellow PhD students and researchers working on electrocatalysis solutions.
A few examples of recent work:
“Operando Characterization of Porous Nickel Foam Water Splitting Electrodes Using Near-Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy” J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2025, 16, 14, 3597–3605
“Role of Cu Oxide and Cu Adatoms in the Reactivity of CO2 on Cu(110)” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202405554
“A Monolayer Carbon Nitride on Au(111) with a High Density of Single Co Sites” ACS Nano 2023, 17, 17489–17498
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants should have a recent master’s degree (3-year PhD programme) or 4-years of studies (4-year PhD programme) in nanoscience, chemistry, physics or equivalent disciplines, and with a very good and documented exam record. Knowledge of or previous experimental project work in either surface science, electrocatalysis or synchrotron spectroscopy will be considered a plus.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus C., Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor, Jeppe V. Lauritsen, jvang@inano.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
