PhD Position in Materials Chemistry at the Mads Clausen Institute

We are seeking an enthusiastic new colleague as a PhD student in the field of Materials Chemistry with a strong background, particularly in Solid State Chemistry and (Photo)electrochemistry, and interest in industrial applications and cooperation to join the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Sønderborg, Denmark. The position is for three years with an expected starting date 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible. 

The application deadline is 31 August 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

MCI is a part of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and covers research and education including applications of engineering sciences. Our working language is English, reflecting the fact that far more than half of our students and staff are internationals. We are located at SDU’s beautiful campus in Sønderborg, in the inspiring building of Alsion, which is a centre for science, culture and learning in the heart of Sønderborg and perched on the strait of water separating the island of Als from the mainland. The university has very close relations with industries in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany. 

The successful candidate is expected to carry out research mainly within a project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The research work involves the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds based on mixed anion compounds (e.g., transition metal (oxy)nitrides) and the evaluation of their performance in solar water splitting. Also, the successful candidate is expected to be actively involved in the supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students affiliated with SDU NanoSYD, preparing project reports, presentations, and publications as well as writing grants for supporting research at SDU NanoSYD.   

Job Description and Responsibilities

• Implementation of research tasks related to the project.
• Collaborative and independent research planning, materials synthesis and characterization, and performance evaluation of materials in solar water splitting.
• Independent characterization, data analysis, and interpretation of research results.
• Scientific communication and presentation of research results at group seminars, scientific conferences, project meetings, etc.
• Publishing of project results in international peer-reviewed scientific journals with high-impact factors. 

Potential Responsibilities 

• Supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students who perform research works on similar research topics. 
• Assistance in teaching activities. 
• Assistance in the preparation of grant proposals for external funding.  

Mandatory qualifications 

• MSc degree in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Solid State Physics, Electrochemistry, or related fields. 
• Proven hands-on experience and knowledge of various synthesis methods in solid-state chemistry, preferably the methods used for the synthesis of mixed-anion compounds.
• Technical skills in materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, XPS, SEM, etc.).   
• Fluency in English (both spoken and written).
• Ability to work in teams and also independently. 
• Strong communication skills.  
• Willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry.  

Following qualifications are advantageous

• Research experience in X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron radiation facilities.
• Research experience in electrochemistry and solar water splitting. 
• A track record of experience in writing scientific publications.
• Technical skills in scientific illustration and animation to deliver visual knowledge of the project. 
• Proven record in participating in national and international research projects.
• Strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group. 

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Head of department Horst-Günter Rubahn (rubahn@mci.sdu.dk)  

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

The start date is as soon as possible or 1 January 2025 at the latest. 

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. 

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).  

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering. 

The application shall include the following documents in English:

• One page motivation letter that can describe the applicant’s educational background and previous research experience most relevant to the offered position and the reason for applying for the PhD programme. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Certificates/Diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s degree) – incl. transcripts of grades in Danish and/or English. 
• List of publications (if any).
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 

·      Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

The application may also include:

• Research statement on developing novel transition metal-based mixed anion compounds, particularly (oxy)nitrides, for solar water splitting. 
• References, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website. 

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivation letter shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’. 

The application deadline is 31 August 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.