Job Description

Are you driven to observe catalysts in action—atom by atom, in real time, under realistic conditions? Do you want to use state-of-the-art electron microscopy to answer fundamental questions at the frontier between catalysis, chemical, materials and quantum sciences?

We are recruiting Postdocs to explore catalytic materials using state-of-the-art operando, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Why join VISION?

At VISION, you will join a highly collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research environment where advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy, microfabricated reactors, catalysis, cluster science, and computational modelling come together to reveal how catalysts function at the atomic scale.

This is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious researchers who want to shape the frontier of “live” electron microscopy and build a foundation for an independent academic or corporate research career.

Your Impact

Catalysts are metastable nanomaterials. Their active surface sites dynamically restructure during adsorption and reaction of molecules. However, many of these processes remain hidden because they occur at the atomic scale and in real time.

Your research will address this challenge by using the new VISION PRIME electron microscope, a state-of-the-art instrument designed for operando and low-dose-rate atomic-resolution TEM studies. You will contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes and help guide the design of next-generation catalyst materials.

What You’ll Do

Depending on your background and interests, you will undertake research activities such as:

• Performing operando, low-dose-rate TEM to capture real-time atomic-scale catalyst dynamics.
• Advancing ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas–surface interactions, molecular adsorption, and active-site formation.
• Fabricating and using microfabricated reactors for realistic catalytic environments.
• Visualizing, quantifying, and interpreting nanoparticle restructuring, vibrations, and surface dynamics.
• Developing and applying Python-based image/data analysis tools for large time-resolved TEM datasets.
• Establishing quantitative links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics, and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles.
• Collaborating with computational researchers on atomic-scale mechanisms, kinetics, and strategies for stabilizing active catalytic structures.
• Contributing to high-impact scientific publications and presenting your results at international conferences.
• Taking an active role in shaping new research directions within the VISION environment.

Qualifications

Your application must include a concise description of your research skills and experience. We favor candidates with a degree in physics, chemistry, or materials science.

Candidates must have documented skills in atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Candidates should also have documented experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Microfabricated devices
• 2D materials
• Catalysis and/or surface science
• Strong skills in scientific programming (e.g., using Python) is expected

Moreover, the candidate should have obtained an excellent academic track record, demonstrated outstanding problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills in both spoken and written English. Candidates should also have proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international top-research team on a relevant scientific question.

Formal qualification: You must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 Terms of Employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: DTU Salary Structures.

It is a full-time position, and the period of employment is 2 years. The starting date is as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement).

Further Information

Further information may be obtained from:

• Professor Christian D. Damsgaard (email: cdda@dtu.dk)
• Professor Joerg R. Jinschek (email: jojin@dtu.dk)
• Professor Stig Helveg (email: stihe@dtu.dk)

Learn more about VISION at www.vision.dtu.dk and DTU Physics at physics.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU can be found at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application Procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials. To apply, click “Apply now”, fill out the form, and attach the following in English:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates.

About the Environment & DTU

The Center for Visualizing Catalytic Processes (VISION) is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and located at DTU Physics. VISION has developed a new transmission electron microscope platform, VISION PRIME, for visualizing catalytic nanoparticles and reactions at the atomic level, integrating cutting-edge TEM methodologies, microfabricated nanoreactors, nanoparticle synthesis, and computational modelling.

VISION’s activities are centered in DTU’s new “Climate Challenge Laboratory” building, hosting VISION, Surface Physics and Catalysis, CatTheory, and the Pioneer Center (CAPeX).

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829: DTU is one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities. Founded by Hans Christian Ørsted, DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees across campuses in Denmark and Greenland.