<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> Postdoc in Biocompatible Nanoparticles for Foliar Fertilisation – DTU Energy <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

Would you like to contribute to a new agricultural revolution by developing fully biocompatible and eco-responsible fertilizers? Do you have a background in nanoparticle surface functionalization and a detailed knowledge about interactions between nanoparticles and living organisms? Are you looking for an ideal springboard for a future career as a scientist in either academia or in industry? The department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is looking for a new Postdoc for an 18- month project in the field of biocompatible nanoparticles for fertilization, which might just be the right project for you.

The project is integrated in a large effort financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It is led by the Department of Plant Biology of the University of Copenhagen and also involves partners at the McGill University (Canada) and the Department of Physics of DTU. The goal is to replace the highly inefficient current fertilization practices by a revolutionary process involving nutrient uptake via leaves rather than roots. This will allow by-passing the soil, which prevents 80% of the fertilizers from reaching the plants. Your role will be to functionalize the surface of nanoparticles based on calcium phosphate (hydroxylapatite) and/or manganese oxides in order to promote their uptake by the leaves and their translocation towards target organelles where the nanoparticles will dissolve and release their nutrients. Field tests under controlled conditions will be conducted in collaboration with the other partners involved in the project.

At DTU Energy, you will have access to excellent facilities and competences for synthesis, characterization and modelling.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your tasks will primarily encompass:

• Nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalization. The primary synthesis technique will be hydrothermal.
• Characterization with a range of advanced techniques e.g. electron microscopy, Raman and infra-red spectroscopy, XPS, Zeta potential).
• Following the fate of your nanoparticles when applied onto the leaves (TEM, Cryo-SEM, AFM, chemical analysis, spectroscopy, etc).
• Studying and modelling the interactions of the applied nanoparticles on nutrient intake by plant cells.

The applicants must demonstrate practical experience with surface functionalization and knowledge of interactions between nanoparticles and living systems. (Please shortly describe concrete examples of your own relevant previous work involving these topics). Experience with modelling is an asset.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1.5 years. Starting date is expected from 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full time position.  

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Jean-Claude Grivel (jean@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.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 .

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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 Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk.

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.  

• Job Identification 5192
• Job Category VIP B
• Posting Date 05/15/2025, 04:33 AM
• Apply Before 05/31/2025, 05:59 PM
• Locations Anker Engelunds Vej, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK