PhD scholarship for Electrochemical Direct Air Capture (e-DAC) and CO2 Conversion - DTU Energy
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to conduct fundamental and applied research in electrochemical direct air capture and conversion (e-DAC) at DTU Energy, tackling one of today's most pressing climate challenges. The project addresses key scientific and technological challenges associated with capturing CO 2 directly from ambient air and converting it into valuable products.
We are seeking motivated candidates with backgrounds in computational chemistry, molecular modeling, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, or related fields, with a strong interest in CO 2 capture and conversion. Candidates who combine computational chemistry with hands-on experimental experience are especially encouraged to apply, as this interdisciplinary skill set is highly valuable to the project and will be given priority. Candidates with either a computational or an experimental background are also encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in developing expertise in the complementary area.
Responsibilities And Qualifications
Your main responsibility in this project will be to contribute to the computational design and analysis of materials and electrochemical systems for electrochemical direct air capture (e-DAC) and conversion. The overarching goal of the PhD project is to develop a molecular- and system-level understanding of CO 2 capture and conversion, enabling improved efficiency, stability, and energy performance compared to current state-of-the-art technologies. The work will be primarily computational, with targeted experimental validation where needed, within a multidisciplinary research environment.
The project will include the following main activities:
Design and Evaluation of e-DAC Materials and Systems. The PhD candidate will focus on the computational development of redox-active materials for electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion. Computational modeling and data-driven analysis will be used to guide material selection, molecular design, and performance optimization. Experimental input will be limited and used selectively for validation purposes, rather than extensive experimental campaigns, drawing on available electrochemical testing platforms at DTU Energy where appropriate.
Understanding Fundamental CO 2 Capture and conversion. The project will focus on developing a molecular- and system-level understanding of CO₂ capture, conversion, and release in e-DAC systems using computational modeling and simulation. The PhD candidate will apply computational chemistry and data-driven tools to study redox behavior, CO₂ binding, and material stability, supporting the rational design and optimization of redox-active capture and conversion materials, with limited experimental validation where needed.
Required Qualifications
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 Maryam Abdinejad (marab@dtu.dk ) and Head of Section Johan Hjelm ( johh@dtu.dk ).
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 appointment terms
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 period of employment is 3 years.
The position is a full-time position with a preferred starting date 1 December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Maryam Abdinejad (marab@dtu.dk ).
You can read more about DTU Energy at 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 . 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 9 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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:
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 .
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
This is an exciting opportunity to conduct fundamental and applied research in electrochemical direct air capture and conversion (e-DAC) at DTU Energy, tackling one of today's most pressing climate challenges. The project addresses key scientific and technological challenges associated with capturing CO 2 directly from ambient air and converting it into valuable products.
We are seeking motivated candidates with backgrounds in computational chemistry, molecular modeling, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, or related fields, with a strong interest in CO 2 capture and conversion. Candidates who combine computational chemistry with hands-on experimental experience are especially encouraged to apply, as this interdisciplinary skill set is highly valuable to the project and will be given priority. Candidates with either a computational or an experimental background are also encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in developing expertise in the complementary area.
Responsibilities And Qualifications
Your main responsibility in this project will be to contribute to the computational design and analysis of materials and electrochemical systems for electrochemical direct air capture (e-DAC) and conversion. The overarching goal of the PhD project is to develop a molecular- and system-level understanding of CO 2 capture and conversion, enabling improved efficiency, stability, and energy performance compared to current state-of-the-art technologies. The work will be primarily computational, with targeted experimental validation where needed, within a multidisciplinary research environment.
The project will include the following main activities:
Design and Evaluation of e-DAC Materials and Systems. The PhD candidate will focus on the computational development of redox-active materials for electrochemical CO 2 capture and conversion. Computational modeling and data-driven analysis will be used to guide material selection, molecular design, and performance optimization. Experimental input will be limited and used selectively for validation purposes, rather than extensive experimental campaigns, drawing on available electrochemical testing platforms at DTU Energy where appropriate.
Understanding Fundamental CO 2 Capture and conversion. The project will focus on developing a molecular- and system-level understanding of CO₂ capture, conversion, and release in e-DAC systems using computational modeling and simulation. The PhD candidate will apply computational chemistry and data-driven tools to study redox behavior, CO₂ binding, and material stability, supporting the rational design and optimization of redox-active capture and conversion materials, with limited experimental validation where needed.
Required Qualifications
- A two-year Master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in electrochemistry, organic chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or engineering, or a closely related field with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
- Experience with computational modeling, simulation, or data analysis applied to chemical or electrochemical systems is an advantage.
- Basic to intermediate proficiency in Python, particularly for data analysis, modeling workflows, or automation, is desirable.
- Interest in electrochemistry, molecular modeling, CO₂ capture and conversion, and sustainable energy technologies.
- Fluency in spoken and written English with good communication skills.
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 Maryam Abdinejad (marab@dtu.dk ) and Head of Section Johan Hjelm ( johh@dtu.dk ).
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 appointment terms
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 period of employment is 3 years.
The position is a full-time position with a preferred starting date 1 December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Maryam Abdinejad (marab@dtu.dk ).
You can read more about DTU Energy at 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 . 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 9 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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 motivation letter (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- Proof of relevant skills and experience in the field.
- Contact information of two referees
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 .
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.