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:
Surface science studies of magnetically enhanced electrocatalysis
Research area and project description:
Did you know that a magnetic field may enhance the rate of certain electrochemical reactions? As a PhD student in the Interfaces and Catalysis group you will join the new project MAGNESIS to be able to explore this intriguing phenomenon and help develop new ways of controlling electrocatalytic reactions such as water splitting and CO2 conversion using magnetic fields.
We are a team of interdisciplinary researchers, applying experimental surface chemistry and physics methods to address the fundamental structure and chemical activity of surfaces for catalysis and electrocatalysis. We work with synthesis of planar catalyst model systems, that give us the advantage that we can use advanced experimental tools to observe catalyst structure in atomic detail and monitor catalytic surface reactions while they are active.
Our methods include cutting-edge experimental surface science 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. In the project you will be working with application of these tools, and with the development of new experimental solutions to elucidate the influence of a magnetic field on electrocatalytic systems.
The PhD project is part of a large ERC Synergy project entitled MAGNESIS which combines research groups from Germany and Spain who seek to fundamentally understand “magneto-electrocatalysis”.
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:
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 interdisciplinary disciplines, and with a very good and documented exam record. Knowledge of or previous experimental project work in either surface science, electrocatalysis or synchrotron experiments 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.
