If you are ambitious and seeking to contribute to developing novel chemistry for a sustainable future using advanced visualization methods, then a possibility is right here for you.
A 3-year PhD fellowship is available in chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, DTU from March 1, 2026 or soon thereafter. The fellowship is funded by by a Green Research project by Independent Research Foundation Denmark. The work will be carried out under the supervision of Professors Sebastian Meier and Associate Professor Martin Nielsen in an international environment at DTU Chemistry.
We are interested in the discovery and characterization of novel chemical reactions proceeding towards bulk chemicals under environmentally friendly conditions. We use NMR spectroscopy for discoveries and unbiased characterizations of molecules, their conversion, and their interactions in complex systems. Solvent effects, kinetic details and energy landscapes of extended reaction pathways are focus areas in our groups. You will be collaborating with a second PhD student (position also open), who will be developing a next-generation catalytic system for converting biomass to MeTHF, supervised by Martin Nielsen.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus and responsibility will be to develop advanced analytical tools for quantitatively studying catalytic transformations of carbohydrates through several intermediates to selectively produce MeTHF. The reaction system will contain a hybrid catalytic system, and the synergism of different catalysts will need to be clarified. Methods for identification and rapid quantification of intermediates, products and byproducts will further be developed, as well as reaction tracking. A second PhD student on the project will be responsible for developing the catalytic process and will benefit from your analytical insight. Advanced NMR methods and computational data analysis will be compounded to accelerate the understanding of reaction pathways and improved use of desired rather than undesired routes. Solvent and additive effects will further be explored based on mechanistic insights. Your work thus will strengthen the detection and optimization of sustainable chemistry reactions.
The interdisciplinary nature of the project makes it a prerequisite that you have a broad interest in the application of physical methods for the study of chemical reaction systems.
Your primary tasks will include to:
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
The successful candidate will have a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or biophysics. Experience with experimental organic chemistry, NMR, kinetic modelling and/or cheminformatics are advantages.
The candidate must be able to work independently, but also participate in collaborations, strive toward scientific excellence, be highly motivated, ambitious, and hard-working. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required. The groups are ambitious and strive to publish in the leading international journals in the field.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Prof. Sebastian Meier and Assoc. Prof. Martin Nielsen. We strongly prefer to receive applications that have been drafted by the applicant, rather than by a language model.
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 appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
The starting date is March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Sebastian Meier (semei@kemi.dtu.dk
) or Associate Professor Martin Nielsen (marnie@kemi.dtu.dk
).
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
The Department of Chemistry performs research, educational activities, and innovation at a high international level within e.g. energy, catalysis, and materials. The overall aim is to contribute with new knowledge about basic scientific problems and carry out research with vast application perspectives - to the benefit of both society and companies.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programs, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.