Postdoc in “live” electron microscopy in catalysis at the atomic-scale – DTU Physics

About the role

At VISION, you will join a highly collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research environment where advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy, microfabricated reactors, catalysis, cluster science, and computational modelling come together to reveal how catalysts function at the atomic scale. This is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious researchers who want to shape the frontier of “live” electron microscopy and build a foundation for an independent academic or corporate research career. Catalysts are metastable nanomaterials; their active surface sites dynamically restructure during adsorption and reaction of molecules. Your research will address this challenge by using the new VISION PRIME electron microscope, a state‑of‑the‑art instrument designed for operando and low‑dose‑rate atomic‑resolution TEM studies, contributing to a deeper mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes and helping guide the design of next‑generation catalyst materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform operando, low‑dose‑rate TEM to capture real‑time atomic‑scale catalyst dynamics.
• Advance ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas–surface interactions, molecular adsorption, and active‑site formation.
• Fabricate and use microfabricated reactors for realistic catalytic environments.
• Visualize, quantify, and interpret nanoparticle restructuring, vibrations, and surface dynamics.
• Develop and apply Python‑based image/data analysis tools for large time‑resolved TEM datasets.
• Establish quantitative links between 3D atomic structure, dynamics, and catalytic functions of single nanoparticles.
• Collaborate with computational researchers on atomic‑scale mechanisms, kinetics, and strategies for stabilizing active catalytic structures.
• Contribute to high‑impact scientific publications and present results at international conferences.
• Take an active role in shaping new research directions within the VISION environment.

Requirements

Hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics, chemistry, or materials science (favored).
• Documented skills in atomic‑resolution transmission electron microscopy.
• Documented experience in one or more of: microfabricated devices, 2D materials, catalysis and/or surface science.
• Strong skills in scientific programming (e.g., Python).
• Excellent academic track record, outstanding problem‑solving abilities, and good communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international top‑research team.

Skills

• Operando and low‑dose‑rate atomic‑resolution TEM.
• Ultrasensitive imaging and spectroscopy of gas‑surface interactions.
• Microfabricated reactor design and use.
• Nanoparticle restructuring analysis.
• Python‑based image and data analysis for time‑resolved TEM datasets.
• Collaboration with computational modelling of atomic‑scale mechanisms.

Benefits

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. The position offers a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment, with a culture of collegial respect, academic freedom, and responsibility.

Pay

The appointment follows the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Supplements can be negotiated according to DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff (DTU Salary Structures).

Schedule

Full‑time position with a 2‑year contract; start date as soon as possible (or by mutual agreement).