Postdoc position in characterization of battery electrode materials based on bio waste

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Energy) invites applications for a 2-year experimental postdoc position to work on structural characterization and

studies of hard carbon materials for sodium ion batteries. In the project you will work together with another postdoc working on biochar pyrolysis, electrochemical and structural analysis of prepared electrode materials.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main focus of the postdoc work will be on structural and electrochemical characterization of carbon materials for sodium ion batteries. We will have a focus on in situ studies of the materials during charge/discharge, for instance followed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray scattering. The position is part of an industrial collaboration aiming at preparing battery electrode materials from bio waste.

Main duties of the position include:

• Perform structural and morphological analysis of the anode materials using e.g. X-ray powder diffraction and related scattering methods, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).
• Carry out electrochemical characterization of the materials in half cells as well as in full sodium ion battery cells.
• Develop and carry out in-house in situ studies (e.g. using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray scattering) on the developed materials in operating half cells.
• Participate in developing standards and protocols for data format and sharing.
• Dissemination of the research results.

Candidates should have a PhD degree in experimental physics, chemistry, materials science or equivalent. The core skills for the project are:

• Experience with structural characterization, preferably including carbon materials. Experience in Raman spectroscopy, diffraction and small angle scattering and solid state NMR spectroscopy would be welcome.
• Experience in assembly and electrochemical characterization of rechargeable battery cells.
• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for the progress and quality of projects
• Ability to work in a team environment

Moreover, the successful candidate is:

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the research topic
• Able to work in an organized fashion, document and disseminate scientific results such as writing results in reports and publications
• Able to work with a diverse group of colleagues and industrial collaborators working on theory and experiments

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 2 years. The expected starting date is 1 October 2025 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
If you need further information concerning this position, please contact Professor Poul Norby at pnor@dtu.dk or Professor Johan Hjelm, johh@dtu.dk .
Please do not send applications by e-mail; instead, apply online as described below.
You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.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 3 August 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Apply at: Postdoc position in characterization of battery electrode materials based on bio waste

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
• At least one reference

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 .
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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.