PhD scholarship in battery chemistry and magnetic resonance - DTU Chemistry

If the idea of developing next-generation batteries charges you up, then this PhD position at the Department of Chemistry, DTU, is for you! We use magnetic resonance to understand how batteries work, and why they fail, at the molecular level, so that we can design better materials for safer, longer-lasting and higher-performing energy storage. In this 3-year project, supervised by Assistant Professor Leo W. Gordon, you will learn battery analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques together with a range of electrochemical methods. The expected start date is on, or close to, 1^st April, or by mutual agreement.

As the battery field matures, new materials and chemistries will be needed for specific applications. Getting the best performance out of them requires a clear understanding of the chemistry and dynamics inside the cell: how the components interact, how the local structure changes during use, and what leads to degradation. These processes are hard to study without disturbing the sample, and attributing changes in performance to specific species or components needs chemically specific information. NMR is element-specific and non-destructive, which makes it a powerful tool for providing this insight.

This research will develop and apply a suite of NMR characterisation tools to study battery materials and components. Combined with electrochemical characterisation, these methods will build a detailed picture of structure, dynamics and degradation across a range of representative battery systems. The aim is to establish design principles for next-generation batteries.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This project is primarily experimental has a strong emphasis on NMR spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Prior knowledge of NMR and/or electrochemistry are preferred but not required.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. The ideal candidate should be driven by clean energy and sustainability goals and have a keen interest in developing innovative new methods to understand physical and chemical phenomena across multiple length scales. They should demonstrate a positive, self-starting attitude, and should have a deep curiosity to drive their science. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

The formal requirements are:

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 applicants will be made by Assistant Professor Leo W. Gordon.

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The starting date is April 1^st or similar, according to mutual agreement and the position is full time. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

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 Sunday, 29 November 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A writing sample of a published paper, pre-print, or thesis, with a short (≤ 1page) accompanying statement clearly detailing your contributions and key findings.

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. The department is well-equipped with all of the necessary infrastructure for the position, including NMR spectrometers and electrochemical testing equipment.

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.