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 Crystal Structure Analysis, 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 of April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible. 

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 international. 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, crystal structure analysis, 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.

• Writing and publishing of project results in international high-impact scientific journals

Additional Responsibilities may be requested in:

• Supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students who perform research work on similar research topics 

• Assistance in teaching activities  

• Assistance in the preparation of grant proposals for external funding

• Assistance in laboratory organization and management 

 Qualifications (as required):

• MSc degree in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Solid State Physics, 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.)   

• Technical skills in crystal structure analysis 

• Fluency in English (both spoken and written)

• Ability to work both in teams and independently 

• Strong communication and social skills 

• Willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry 

Qualifications (as assets):

• Research experience in X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron radiation facilities

• Research experience in solid state chemistry and crystal structure analysis 

• 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 and programs

• Strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include: 

• One-page motivation letter that describes the applicant’s educational background and previous research experience most relevant to the offered position and the reason for applying to the PhD program. 

• Curriculum Vitae.

• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).  

• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

• 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). 

• Research statement on developing novel mixed anion compounds, particularly metal (oxy)nitrides, for solar water splitting may also be included. 

• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official 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.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

UPLOAD GUIDE:  Motivated letter shall be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is January 10, 2026, at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Contact information

Further information is available from Assoc. Prof. Mirabbos Hojamberdiev (mirabbos@mci.sdu.dk; Tel: +45 6550 7483 or Head of the Institute Prof. Dr. Horst-Günter Rubahn (rubahn@mci.sdu.dk). 

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

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.581 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates 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.