Postdoctoral Positions in PFAS Analytics, Degradation, and Thermophysical Properties - DTU Chemistry

DTU Chemistry invites applications for three postdoctoral positions within the field of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) research. The positions focus on:

1. Analytical determination and characterization of transformation products formed during PFAS degradation;
2. Experimental investigations of PFAS separation, immobilization, and degradation processes; and
3. Experimental and computational determination of thermophysical and physical–chemical PFAS properties.

PFAS molecules are defined by the presence of CF₂ or CF₃ groups and exhibit a wide range of unique characteristics, including high persistence, long environmental half‑lives, and widespread occurrence as contaminants in natural and biological systems. Their low concentrations, diverse structures, and complex behavior create significant challenges for experimental analysis, separation and immobilization studies, and the determination of physical‑chemical properties.

Across these three projects, the overarching aim is to advance our fundamental understanding of PFAS behavior. This includes:

• How PFAS are degraded and what transformation products are formed.
• How such products can be accurately analyzed and characterized; and
• How thermophysical properties vary across the diverse PFAS chemical space and how these properties may be predicted using computational models.

These positions offer an excellent opportunity for early‑career scientists to build a strong research profile and contribute to cutting‑edge work at the forefront of PFAS research.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral Researcher 1
Design and conduct experiments to analyze and monitor transformation and emission products formed during PFAS degradation across different sources and under biological, chemical, or catalytic conditions.

Postdoctoral Researcher 2
Design and perform experimental and exploratory investigations of PFAS separation, immobilization, and degradation processes.

Postdoctoral Researcher 3
Design and conduct experiments to determine key thermophysical properties of PFAS and develop predictive models for PFAS properties.

Qualifications
The ideal candidates will have:

• A strong background and hands‑on experience in analytical or experimental chemistry (required).
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

In addition, candidates should have experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy or mass spectrometry.
• Chromatographic separation techniques.
• Experimental studies of biological and/or chemical degradation processes.
• Thermodynamics and phase behavior of complex mixtures, including experimental measurement techniques and/or computational methods.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field. 

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 postdoc position is a full-time position for a period of 2 years, starting from 1 May 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 Charlotte Held Gotfredsen, tel.: +45 20650942, email: chg@kemi.dtu.dk with respect to position 1 and 2. Website: https://www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/research/organic-chemistry/charlotte-held-gotfredsen-group 

From Professor Wei Yan, tel.: +45 2245 0662, email: weya@kemi.dtu.dk with respect to position 3, website: https://www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/research/physical-chemistry/wei-yan-group.

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.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 8 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:

• 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 Chemistry performs research, educational activities, and innovation at a high international level within e.g. energy, catalysis, and materials. The overall aim is to contribute with new knowledge about basic scientific problems and carry out research with vast application perspectives - to the benefit of both society and companies.

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.