Postdoc in Biocompatible Foliar Nanofertilisers – DTU Energy

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 synthesis, characterization and surface functionalization as well as 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 a 17-month position in the field of biocompatible nanoparticles for foliar 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 at DTU. The goal is to replace the highly inefficient fertilization practices by a revolutionary process involving nutrient uptake via leaves rather than roots. This will allow bypassing the soil, which prevents 80% of the fertilizers from reaching the plants. 

Your role will be to produce manganese-based nanoparticles and tune their properties (size, shape, surface functionalization) to promote their uptake by 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 translocation and the fate of your nanoparticles when applied onto the leaves and after internalization (TEM, Cryo-SEM, AFM, chemical analysis, spectroscopy, etc).
• Studying and modelling the interactions between the applied nanoparticles and the plant organelles leading to nutrient delivery in the cells.

The applicants must demonstrate practical experience with hydrothermal synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles, nano-scale characterization, surface functionalization and knowledge of interactions between nanoparticles and plant leaves. 

The ability to communicate within a multidisciplinary research consortium is essential. Experience working in a Challenge Project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and a good track-record with publications on the topics of the position is a plus. 

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 17 months. Starting date is expected from 1 August 2026. 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 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 24 April 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:

• 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 DTU Energy

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.