At DTU Chemistry, we are developing pioneering electrocatalytic strategies to form carbon-nitrogen, carbon-sulphur, and other vital bonds.
As a PhD student in our team, you will be at the forefront of designing catalysts and using advanced operando tools, such as Raman spectroscopy, to uncover how these reactions happen at the atomic and molecular level. Your work will help pave the way for greener routes to fuels, fertilizers, and materials. The PhD scholarship is a three-year position starting in February 2026.
You will join the new research group of Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog, working at the crossroads of electrochemistry, catalysis, and spectroscopy. Here, you will find an international, collaborative, and supportive environment where creativity is encouraged, and your contribution matters to advance the green transition.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student, you will:
We are seeking a curious and ambitious PhD candidate who thrives on scientific challenges and collaboration. The ideal candidate holds a MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, or another relevant field. They demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, persistence, and a sharp eye for detail. A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute to a positive research environment in our lab are essential. Documented experience in electrochemistry is required, and additional skills in materials synthesis, spectroscopy, or programming will be considered an advantage. Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are also expected.
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.
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 programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicant will be made by Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog.
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 February 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information about the open PhD position may be obtained from Assistant Professor Antonia Herzog (anthe@dtu.dk
) and Professor Søren Kegnæs (skk@kemi.dtu.dk
,+45 9351 1588).
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk.
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 11 November 2025 (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 programmes, 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.