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:
Structural disorder in materials for energy storage
Research area and project description:
Two PhD stipends are available from August 1st, 2026, at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University. The projects will be carried out within the Center for Sustainable Energy Materials (CENSEMAT) and aim to understand and control structural disorder in crystalline materials for energy storage with focus on electrode materials for rechargeable batteries and relaxor materials for capacitors.
A central aim of CENSEMAT is to develop new sustainable energy materials based on abundant elements by establishing how structural disorder affects functional properties, and how such disorder can be tailored through synthesis. In many materials for energy storage, disorder on the atomic and nanoscale plays a decisive role for performance, stability, and functionality. Yet, the fundamental links between structural disorder and properties remain poorly understood. The two PhD projects will contribute to addressing this challenge by combining synthesis, advanced structural characterization, and property measurements.
The work will involve synthesis of inorganic materials and detailed characterization of disorder in crystalline solids using a range of advanced techniques, including X-ray and electron scattering, electron microscopy, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, alongside relevant functional property characterization. Depending on the specific project, this may include electrochemical characterization of battery electrode materials or dielectric/electrical characterization of relaxor materials for capacitors.
The positions are embedded in a highly collaborative research environment within CENSEMAT, where the PhD candidates will work closely with researchers with expertise in materials synthesis, diffraction and total scattering, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and functional characterization. The projects will offer excellent opportunities to develop both broad and specialized competences in modern materials chemistry and characterization of disordered functional materials. The PhD projects are expected to involve close interaction with leading collaborators abroad. The candidates will have the opportunity to undertake extended research stays with international collaborators and to perform experiments at world-leading large-scale research facilities, depending on the needs of the project.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
The PhD candidate should have a Master’s degree (for the 3-year PhD programme) or 4 years of higher education studies (for the 4-year PhD programme) in chemistry, materials chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, physics, or a related field.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry. Experience with one or more of the following techniques will be considered an advantage: diffraction and scattering methods, electron microscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, or related structural characterization techniques. Experience with synthesis of inorganic materials and/or property characterization relevant to batteries or capacitors will also be an advantage.
All highly motivated candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of personal background. Equal consideration will be given to all qualified applicants independent of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or cultural background.
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, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Dorthe Ravnsbæk, dorthe@chem.au.dk or Assist. Professor Espen D. Bøjesen, espen.bojesen@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.
