PhD Scholarship in Computational Electrocatalysis, Technical University of Denmark

Energy Storage and Conversion group at the Division of Materials Research - Risø DTU is seeking candidates for a PhD scholarship in computational analysis of electrocatalytic reaction mechanism for the fixation of CO2 and N2 into fuel. PhD project is part of an ambitious initiative of Denmark Catalysis for Sustainable Energy (case.dtu.dk) and associated with the Center for Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) at DTU Physics (camd.dtu.dk).

Description of work
The successful candidate will implement a computational method based on density functional theory (DFT) to identify the reaction mechanisms that control the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons and N2 into ammonia using proton conductors and electrocatalysts. This project focused on proton transfer across the interface electrolyte / electrocatalyst, in order to provide a better understanding of the interaction of electrolyte / electrocatalyst and to establish the optimal combination of electrolytes and electrocatalysts. This project will be closely linked with the project other computational and experimental work on the prediction and testing of novel electrocatalysts and proton conductor.

Qualification
Candidates should have a master's degree in physics, chemistry or materials science or similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a master's degree in engineering.

The successful candidate has good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, and able to work independently and be responsible for the progress and quality of the project. We support candidates with experience in computational physics / theory, chemistry and related fields.

We offer
We offer interesting and challenging job in an international environment that focuses on education, research, consulting, public sector and innovation, which contributed to improve the economy and improve social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Approval and Registration
Scholarships for PhD degree must obtain academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs DTU. For information regarding general requirements for registration and general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The work is expected to begin February 1, 2012. The workplace is the Campus Risø Roskilde, Denmark.

More information
If you need further information regarding this position, please contact the Senior Research Tejs Vegge, +45 4677 5818, teve@risoe.dtu.dk (please do not send applications to the e-mail address, but uses an electronic filing system - see below) .

You can read more about Risø DTU and DTU on dtu.dk on risoe.dtu.dk.

Application
We must have your online application by December 15, 2011.

* A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
* Curriculum vitae
* Grade transcripts and BSc / MSc diploma
* Excel sheet with a rating system to translate the value into Denmark

Candidates can apply before obtaining their master's degree, but can not begin prior to receiving it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply

For more information, please visit the official site: www.dtu.dk