The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship focused on Electrochemical Direct Air Capture (e-DAC) and CO2 Conversion. This research project addresses one of the most critical challenges in climate change mitigation by investigating novel methods to capture CO2 directly from ambient air and transform it into valuable chemicals and fuels using computational design and targeted electrochemical validation.
PhD Scholarship in Electrochemical Direct Air Capture (e-DAC) and CO2 Conversion at DTU Energy
Quick Overview
| Position / Designation | PhD Scholarship / PhD Fellow |
| Host Institution | Technical University of Denmark (DTU) |
| Department | Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) |
| Research Field | Electrochemical Direct Air Capture (e-DAC), Computational Chemistry, CO2 Conversion |
| Duration | 3 Years (Full-Time) |
| Expected Start Date | 1 December 2026 (or by mutual agreement) |
| Location | Kongens Lyngby, Denmark |
| Application Deadline | 9 October 2026 (23:59 Danish Time) |
Designation
PhD Scholar / PhD Research Fellow in Electrochemical Direct Air Capture and CO2 Conversion.
Research Area
The position is situated within the intersection of computational chemistry, molecular modeling, electrochemistry, and materials science. The primary focus is on developing a molecular- and system-level understanding of CO2 capture, conversion, and release through computational modeling, data-driven analysis, and targeted experimental validation.
Location
Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Greater Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scholarship Description
This PhD project focuses on the computational development of redox-active materials and systems for electrochemical direct air capture (e-DAC) and conversion. The overarching objective is to advance molecular- and system-level insights to significantly improve energy efficiency, stability, and kinetics beyond the current state-of-the-art.
Key responsibilities and research activities include:
- Design and Evaluation of e-DAC Materials and Systems: Applying computational modeling and data-driven methods to evaluate redox-active materials, molecular structures, and system configurations for efficient CO2 capture and conversion.
- Fundamental Mechanism Understanding: Investigating redox behaviors, CO2-binding interactions, reaction mechanisms, and material durability using simulation techniques.
- Targeted Experimental Validation: Conducting selective experimental validation on existing electrochemical test benches at DTU Energy to substantiate computational findings.
The appointment is a full-time position for 3 years governed by the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, offering competitive salary and benefits, pension contributions, and vacation entitlements according to Danish academic standards.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants must meet DTU’s general admission criteria for PhD education, including:
- A two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience or academic training in computational modeling, molecular simulation, or data-driven analysis of chemical/electrochemical systems.
- Basic to intermediate programming skills in Python (specifically for data manipulation, scientific workflows, or simulation automation).
- Strong motivation and interest in molecular modeling, CO2 capture, electrocatalysis, and green energy technology.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
- Candidates combining computational capabilities with hands-on electrochemical experimental background are strongly encouraged to apply.
Note: Applicants close to completing their Master’s degree may apply, provided the degree is awarded before commencing employment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the DTU recruitment portal. All required documents must be written in English and combined into one single PDF file containing:
- Motivation Letter (Cover Letter): Outlining your research interests, background, and alignment with the project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting education, technical competencies, and publication record (if any).
- Diplomas and Official Transcripts: BSc and MSc degree certificates including complete grade sheets and grading scale descriptions.
- Proof of Experience: Documentation or code repositories demonstrating relevant computational/experimental skills.
- References: Contact information of at least two academic or professional referees.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 9 October 2026 at 23:59 Danish Time. Incomplete submissions or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Apply Link
To submit your application and view official details, please visit the official DTU job portal link below:
Apply Now – DTU Energy PhD Scholarship (Job ID: 8225)
