PhD fellowship/scholarship - In operando studies of heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 conversion
Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Intern
On-site
This PhD fellowship focuses on advanced research in heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 conversion, emphasizing catalyst stability and structural changes during operation and deactivation under real conditions (in operando). The candidate will engage in synthesizing and screening heterogeneous electrocatalysts and thermal catalysts, aiming to understand active catalyst structures and deactivation mechanisms relevant to large-scale direct CO2 conversion. Key technical competencies include developing experimental setups and methodologies for in operando studies using sophisticated X-ray techniques such as X-ray diffraction, total scattering, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Expertise in collecting, processing, and analyzing complex in operando X-ray data is highly beneficial. The role requires a strong interdisciplinary approach, bridging chemical engineering, materials chemistry, and catalysis. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, nanoscience, or a related field, with prior experience in catalysis research. Familiarity with X-ray scattering and absorption spectroscopy data analysis is advantageous. The position offers collaboration opportunities with leading research groups and includes an international research visit to Stanford University, providing exposure to cutting-edge catalytic research and techniques. The work environment is at Aarhus University’s Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, within a funded research center dedicated to CO2 conversion. The fellowship demands strong research skills, experimental design capabilities, and a solid foundation in catalysis and material characterization methods, particularly under operando conditions.
About the role
Role Summary
- PhD position at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Within the Biological and Chemical Engineering programme
- Funded by Novo Nordisk CO₂ Research Center (CORC)
- Start date: 01 February 2026 or later
Research Area and Project Description
- Focus on catalyst stability at operating conditions for large-scale direct CO₂ conversion
- Study structural changes during catalyst operation/deactivation (in operando)
- Explore heterogeneous electrocatalysts and thermal catalysts for direct CO₂ conversion
- Understand structure of active catalysts and deactivation pathways
- Project tasks include:
- Developing setups and methodology for in operando studies using X-ray techniques (diffraction, total scattering, absorption spectroscopy)
- Collecting and analyzing in operando data
- Catalyst synthesis and screening for CO₂ conversion properties
- Work at the interface of chemical engineering, materials chemistry, and catalysis
- Involves a research visit to Stanford University
- Collaboration across research groups of Nina Lock (Dept. of Biological and Chemical Engineering) and Kim Daasbjerg (Dept. of Chemistry)
Requirements
- Master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, nanoscience, or equivalent
- Experience with catalysis
- Beneficial: Experience with analysis of X-ray scattering and/or X-ray absorption spectroscopy data
Place of Employment
- Aarhus University
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aabogade 40, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
Contacts
- Nina Lock, [email protected] (main supervisor)
- Kim Daasbjerg, [email protected] (co-supervisor)
- For application requirements: Application guide
- For further questions: [email protected]
How to Apply
- Submit your application via this link
- Application deadline: 09 December 2025 at 23:59 CET
- Preferred starting date: 01 February 2026
- Only documents received before the deadline will be evaluated
- The programme committee may request further information or invite for interview
- Shortlisting will be used; only the most relevant applications will be evaluated
- Please mention in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
Additional Information
- Aarhus University values equality and diversity and encourages all interested candidates to apply
- Salary and terms of employment follow the applicable collective agreement
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