Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from February 2022 or later.

Title:
Re-advertisement: Surface Science Characterization of Catalysts for Renewable Jet Fuel Production  

Research area and project description:
The successful candidate will work in a PhD-project in the Interfaces and Catalysis group at Aarhus University. You will work within a research team that establishes links between the atomic structure of surfaces and their activity as heterogeneous catalysts. Specifically, this research project focuses on hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysis, which is currently the most significant bottleneck in purification and upgrading of waste bio-oil into a high quality aviation (jet) fuel. The goal of the project is to develop new methods within in-situ scanning probe microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy techniques to generate new fundamental catalytic understanding of the HDO catalytic process. Apart from work in our own surface science laboratory, you will be trained in the application of synchrotron-based spectroscopy at our local ASTRID2 synchrotron and international sites, such as MAX-IV. The project will also involve interaction with a Danish catalyst company and collaborative projects with a research group in Sweden.

Examples of recent research within this field from our group can be found in:

• Nature Communications 11 (2020) 4369
• Nature Communications 9 (2018) 2211

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants should have a recent master’s degree (3-year PhD programme) or 4-years of studies (4-year PhD programme) in physics, physical chemistry, materials science or nanotechnology with an excellent and documented exam record. Candidates with documented knowledge in scanning probe microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, synchrotron work or surface science studies using ultrahigh vacuum equipment will have an advantage.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Jeppe V. Lauritsen (jvang@inano.au.dk), TeL : +45 23382369

Application procedures

Before you apply, please read the application guide thoroughly. You can find the guide here.

How to apply:

1)      Find the application form:
Go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ – Note, the online application system opens on 1 September 2021.
Choose November 2021 Call with deadline 1 November 2021 at noon (11.59 AM CET).
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme “Nanoscience”.

2)      Fill in the following information:

• Personal information
• Academic background
• Admission
• Financing (if any)
• Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “Re-advertisement: Surface Science Characterization of Catalysts for Renewable Jet Fuel Production (RSSCCR)”
• Source (how you found out about the call)

Next to some of the information fields you will find a number. Click on the number to get further directions on how to fill in the information field/what information is needed.

3)      Application attachments:
Please be aware that you cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.

If you wish to upload more than one document under each section, you must scan/merge all documents into one large PDF file and upload this. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like. Instead you can indicate a URL where the information is available.

All information in the application must be in English or Danish, preferably English. A certified English translation is required for documents written in languages other than English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) languages.

As a minimum, all applications must include (pdf-files only, max. 20 MB, and no zip):
One reference (template for references)

• Curriculum vitae,
• Motivation (max. 1 page)
• Transcripts, grade point averages (weighted and unweighted), and diploma(s) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. If the original documents are not in English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) then copies of the original documents as well as a certified English translation must be attached.
• Project description (½-4 pages). For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.
• Documentation of language skills if required.

After submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an application ID, you should use for reference if needed.

The graduate school reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your educational diploma and transcripts:

• Request additional information to verify an application.
• Reject the application if it is proven, or if the University has reasonable belief, that the information provided is false or if the applicant refuses to provide the requested information, whether or not an offer has already been made. 
• For further information on applying, assessment procedures, etc. please see the GSNS Application Guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• The project will only be initiated if final funding (from the graduate school/the faculty) is secured.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.