Are you ready to develop, refine, and lead cutting-edge ultra-high vacuum (UHV) methodologies for surface science and catalysis in sustainable energy conversion?
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites exceptional candidates to apply for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor position in Surface Physics and Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Solutions.
This position offers a unique opportunity to build a research career centered on the design, construction, and advancement of state-of-the-art UHV platforms for atomic-scale surface characterization and reaction studies. The successful candidate will drive innovation in experimental UHV techniques - integrating precision surface preparation, surface science-based characterization, and catalytic performance evaluation - to accelerate breakthroughs in Power-to-X (P2X) materials and processes.
The appointment is hosted by the Department of Physics (DTU Physics) at Technical University of Denmark and anchored in the Section for Experimental Surface Physics and Catalysis (SURFCAT), a leading environment for advanced UHV-based surface research. The position is strongly integrated into the Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery (CAPeX), a major long-term initiative focused on accelerating materials discovery for sustainable fuel and chemical production.
Why DTU?
We offer you an internationally leading research environment, inspiring teaching of excellent graduate and undergraduate students, and an ambitious DTU innovation ecosystem. We emphasize and encourage collaboration between theory and experiment and across disciplines - and build on using and developing state-of-the art methods and instrumentation. Our experimental facilities span ultra-high vacuum surface science, electrochemistry, thermal catalysis, and atomic-scale microscopy, enabling research from fundamental mechanisms to realistic operating conditions.
Research Environment
SURFCAT conducts fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis, covering:
The research focuses on reactions essential for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals.
CAPeX brings together leading Power-to-X researchers from five Danish and three international universities to deliver transformative advances in sustainable materials discovery. By integrating computational materials design, operando characterization, scalable synthesis, robotics, digital twins, and machine learning, CAPeX is redefining how new P2X materials are discovered and developed.
Commitment to Diversity
We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to submit their applications. We strongly believe that fostering diversity in the research environment enhances creativity and promotes transdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately contributing to the successful execution of excellent research and innovation. We are striving to build a vibrant team that reflects our commitment to excellence, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will assume a leading role in advancing ultra-high vacuum (UHV)–based methodologies and experimental infrastructures that enables research into the transition toward a non-fossil energy society. The position focuses on the conception, design, and implementation of advanced UHV systems for atomic-scale investigations of catalytic materials relevant to energy conversion processes. By combining state-of-the-art surface science techniques with integrated activity measurements, the candidate will establish quantitative structure–function relationships and generate mechanistic insight into catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability under rigorously controlled conditions. A central component of the role is the methodological development and architectural design of customized UHV platforms tailored to cutting-edge catalysis research.
Key Tasks:
The position involves close collaboration with colleagues at DTU and the CAPeX center, as well as active engagement with leading academic and industrial partners in Denmark and internationally. The candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives with significant scientific depth and societal relevance.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, and present a strong record of scientific excellence. This includes peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and/or presentations at major international conferences, along with documented experience in teaching and supervision. The candidate must be able to teach in physics courses as part of the DTU Physics course curriculum.
The ideal candidate will combine a strong research background in electro- and/or thermal catalysis with advanced expertise in UHV-based surface science techniques, including STM, XPS, AES, and TPD. Essential to the role is demonstrated proficiency in the operation, troubleshooting, and long-term maintenance of complex ultra-high vacuum instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on clearly documented experience in the design, construction, integration, and sustained operation of UHV systems, evidencing the ability to independently build, optimize, and further develop state-of-the-art UHV platforms for catalytic materials research.
You must be responsible for the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.
You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:
Salary and terms of employment
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.
Starting date is according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process here
You can read more about career paths at DTU here
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of DTU Physics Jane Hvolbæk Nielsen, jane@fysik.dtu.dk and Professor Jakob Kibsgaard jkib@dtu.dk
You can read more about DTU Physics at https://physics.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
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 September 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:
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.
At DTU Physics, we perform research in fundamental and applied physics areas, and we use and develop state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical methods. We have a broad effort in materials physics and design, catalysis, quantum optics, sensing and communication, biophysics, plasma physics, and continuum physics. Our research impacts society with new sustainable energy technologies, secure digital communication, medical technology, and new analytical methods. We use and develop basic theory, next-generation instrumentation and software, and we aim to make our data publicly accessible and usable.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
