PhD scholarship in X-ray Microscopy of Functional Materials

DTU Energy Conversion in collaboration with DTU Physics is offering a three-year PhD position for the development of a novel type of 3D microscopy its exploitation in the study of functional materials for energy conversion and storage. The position is open to be filled as soon as possible.

The project
Within the last two years we have developed a first version of a hard X-ray equivalent of the Transmission Electron Microscope. Uniquely, the new methodology will enable 3D mapping of grains, phases and stresses within thick polycrystalline specimens – at the 50 nm scale.

The project provides the opportunity to exploit the microscope to answer fundamental questions regarding technologically relevant energy material behavior. The microscope opens new possibilities for time resolved studies of the internal microstructure of these materials under conditions relevant for energy conversion.

The instrument is placed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, ESRF, in Grenoble. Funded in part by an ERC Advanced Grant, we are in the process of hiring a team of 3 PhDs and 2 postdocs. The successful candidate will spearhead the new technology as applied to the study of domains in functional materials: fundamental research but with a view to applications in fuel cells and batteries.

We offer
An international cross-disciplinary environment and a challenging job description. Being first-movers there is an opportunity to develop a new research direction.

Job description
Your main task will be to design and conduct X-ray microscopy experiments, analyze data, compare to theory and advance the fields of transmission X-ray microscopy and energy materials. As part of the microscopy team, a fraction of the time will be devoted to joint work on advancing the technique in terms of instrumentation and/or development of new algorithms.

For your research you will also identify ideal energy material systems related to fuel cells, batteries or other energy conversion devices where the new microscope can be used to answer questions that current technology is unable to. Based on current knowledge you will perform the first systematic transmission X-ray microscopy studies to fill these knowledge gaps.

Qualifications
• A Master’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering materials science or similar.
• Interest in and experience with challenging experimental work
• Demonstrated programming skills
• Preferably an understanding of solid state physics and the use of X-rays
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the PhD guide. (http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Phd_Education/PhD_guide.aspx)

Salary and terms of appointment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.
The candidate is expected to start in September or as soon as possible thereafter.
Place of work is DTU Risø Campus in Roskilde.

Further information
Please contact Head of section Luise Theil Kuhn, +45 46774712, luku@dtu.dk , senior researcher Jacob Bowen, +45 21328382, jrbo@dtu.dk, or Professor Henning Friis Poulsen, +45 23396938, hfpo@fysik.dtu.dk for further information.

Please do not send applications to these e-mail addresses, instead apply online as described below.

DTU Energy Conversion is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found on www.ecs.dtu.dk

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advances science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies