Postdoc in Advanced Structural Characterization of Single-Molecule Adsorption in Nanoporous Materials - DTU Nanolab

Decode how molecules adsorb in porous materials - at the single‑molecule scale.

Are you passionate about materials characterization of bio-nano interfaces and revealing how (interface) structure governs function? 

Join the National Centre for Nanofabrication and Characterization (DTU Nanolab) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to investigate molecular adsorption mechanisms in porous crystals (and hybrid adsorbents), including MOFs, COFs, zeolites, porous carbons, and mesoporous oxides, for applications spanning separations, catalysis, sensing, and environmental remediation.

As a member of the “Nano Micro Macro. Structure in Materials” research group, led by Prof. Joerg R. Jinschek, you will push the limits of advanced microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy to reveal host-guest interactions, interfacial structure, and confinement effects that control adsorption at the nanoscale.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, international research environment at the forefront of materials characterization and interface science.
• World class facilities at DTU, including cutting edge electron microscopy (EM) instrumentation.
• The opportunity to make high impact contributions to multiple domains (e.g., gas separation, catalysis, sensing, environmental protection) through atomic scale insights.

Your Role:

• Investigate molecular adsorption - from initial uptake to site occupancy, diffusion pathways, and desorption - using advanced imaging and spectroscopy.
• Develop and apply state of the art EM methods (e.g., HR imaging, Diffraction, 4D STEM, EELS/EDX) tailored to beam sensitive porous frameworks.
• Employ low dose strategies, environmental/operando experiments, and temperature/humidity/gas control to probe interfacial dynamics under relevant conditions.
• Collaborate closely with national and international research groups to correlate atomic scale observations with macroscopic adsorption performance (e.g., isotherms, selectivity, kinetics).
• Contribute to the design principles that connect pore architecture, functionalization, and host-guest chemistry to performance.

Responsibilities 
In the research group “Nano Micro Macro. Structure in Materials,” we develop and apply concepts for characterizing structures with a strong focus on state-of-the-art EM. Our interdisciplinary efforts target fundamental understanding of process–structure–property relationships.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Establish robust, materials characterization protocols to identify, image, and quantify interfacial phenomena (site chemistry, orientation, confinement, cooperative effects).
• Correlate nanoscale structure and local chemistry with adsorption performance, building a conceptual framework from atomic sites to macroscopic efficiency.
• Engage across disciplines to integrate perspectives from materials science, (reticular) chemistry, and chemical/environmental engineering.
• Generate, curate, and document high quality datasets to support reproducible research, data driven optimization, and future AI assisted design workflows.
• Translate findings into influence: high‑impact publications and accessible community outreach.
• Translate ideas into funded projects - craft compelling narratives, build consortia, and deliver competitive grant applications that resource your work and strengthen the group.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary and international collaboration, particularly at the intersection of materials science, (reticular) chemistry, and chemical engineering.
• Enthusiasm for advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy, especially applied to extremely beam-sensitive porous materials.
• A collaborative, analytical mindset and the ability to synthesize complex information across experimental and theoretical domains.
• Interest in how ML/AI driven data science can accelerate discovery in materials research.
• Motivation to work in interdisciplinary and international teams.

Desirable Experience (Plus)

• Hands on experience with porous adsorbents (e.g., MOFs/COFs/carbons/etc), reticular chemistry, or surface functionalization.
• Exposure to adsorption measurements (e.g., BET, isotherms, TPD, TGA), complementary spectroscopy (IR/Raman/XPS), or simulation (DFT/MD) for host-guest systems.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD degree (or near completion) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Candidates must have an extensive experience with state-of-the-art electron microscopy. A deep knowledge of materials synthesis and a strong background in scientific programming will be advantageous.

The candidate should have demonstrated a scientific production and research potential at the highest international level. The candidate should also have demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills, teaching skills, very good communication skills in both spoken and written English, and experience in working independently and in an interdisciplinary team. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Joerg Jinschek.

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

The initial period of employment is 1 year. Potential starting date is 1 July 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Joerg Jinschek.

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at www.nanolab.dtu.dk and about the research group at www.nanolab.dtu.dk/research/nano-micro-macro-structure-in-materials or at https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/organisations/nano-micro-macro-structure-in-materials. 

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 31 March 2026 (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:

• Cover letter / Letter of motivation.
• Research (Vision) Statement of how you would approach the stated scientific goal.
• List of your publications. Please state your contribtion to each clearly - what you did, the outcome, and why it mattered.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)

You may apply prior to obtaining your PhD degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

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.

DTU Nanolab is a research department (and a common infrastructure) located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. DTU Nanolab houses a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center. The work carried out at DTU Nanolab spans the range of basic topographical studies to highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter.   

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.