Postdoc in Catalytic N2O Decomposition using Near-ambient Pressure Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Postdoc opening in experimental surface science for a project that investigates N2O decomposition model catalysts at the Interfaces and Catalysis group, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University. We seek an experimental surface scientist experienced with near-ambient pressure Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The position is for at least 1.5 years with an expected start date on February 1, 2027.

Job description

The project concerns catalysts for reduction of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, that are recognized as the third strongest contributor to global warming after CO2 and methane. The challenge with the current catalyst types is the relatively high temperature required to run the catalytic N2O decomposition process efficiently. As a postdoc, you will become part of a research team that investigates the structure and chemical properties of heterogeneous catalysts.

In the project, you will apply near-ambient pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) and near-ambient pressure Scanning Tunneling microscopy (NAP-STM) to investigate the correlation between surface structure, surface composition and reactivity of planar model catalysts.

Your main tasks will include

• Surface science of N2O decomposition.
• Synthesis of model catalysts
• Operation of near-ambient pressure STM and XPS equipment
• Planning and execution of synchrotron beamtimes for NAP
• Co-supervision of PhD and MSc, BSc students
• Collaboration and coordination with international partners

Qualifications

We seek a highly motivated postdoc candidate with a PhD degree and a relevant background in chemistry, physics, nanoscience or equivalent disciplines. It is a requirement that you have experience in handling ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment and execution of experiments and data analysis with at least one, and ideally both NAP-XPS and NAP-STM techniques.

Furthermore, you have the ambition to contribute to academic research in an innovative research environment and head the development and application of in-situ surface science techniques. You will apply your skills in an interdisciplinary research team that consists of students and researchers with an interdisciplinary background, and you will work in collaboration with international partners.

The position is for 18 months with possibility for extension subject to additional funding. You should be able to start the position by February 1st 2027.

Who are we?

The project will be carried out in the Interfaces and Catalysis group (Prof. Jeppe V. Lauritsen) at the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University. The group commands a range of experimental techniques including a range of advanced facilities on scanning probe microscopy and ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We are also very active users of synchrotrons, including the local ASTRID2 light source at Aarhus University and for example the nearby MAX-IV facility in Lund, Sweden.

The research group has access to infrastructure at AU that enables a strong microscopy and spectroscopy characterization of the materials. You will be joining a diverse research group, which prioritizes collaboration, shared responsibilities, common social activities and respectful communication.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Jeppe V. Lauritsen, [email protected] tel.: + 45 2338 2369.

Your place of work will be Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation .

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

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.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website , you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.