项目介绍

2026年9月10日

We are seeking an enthusiastic new colleague as a PhD student in the field of Materials Chemistry with a strong background, particularly in Solid State Chemistry and Crystal Structure Analysis, and interest in industrial applications and cooperation to join the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Sønderborg, Denmark. The position is for three years with a preferred starting date of March 1, 2027, or as soon as possible. 

MCI is a part of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and covers research and education, including applications of engineering sciences. Our working language is English, reflecting the fact that far more than half of our students and staff are international. We are located at SDU’s beautiful campus in Sønderborg, in the inspiring building of Alsion, which is a centre for science, culture, and learning in the heart of Sønderborg and perched on the strait of water separating the island of Als from the mainland. The university has very close relations with industries in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany.

The successful candidate is expected to carry out research mainly within a project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The research work involves the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds based on mixed-anion compounds (e.g., transition metal (oxy)nitrides) and the evaluation of their performance in solar water splitting. Also, the successful candidate is expected to be actively involved in the supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students affiliated with SDU NanoSYD, preparing project reports, presentations, and publications, as well as writing grants for supporting research at SDU NanoSYD. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of research tasks related to the project
• Collaborative and independent research planning, materials synthesis and characterization, crystal structure analysis, and performance evaluation of materials in solar water splitting
• Independent characterization, data analysis, and interpretation of research results
• Scientific communication and presentation of research results at group seminars, scientific conferences, project meetings, etc.
• Writing and publishing of project results in international high-impact scientific journals

Additional Responsibilities may be requested in:

• Supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students who perform research work on similar research topics 
• Assistance in teaching activities 
• Assistance in the preparation of grant proposals for external funding
• Assistance in laboratory organization and management 

Qualifications (as required):

• MSc degree in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Solid State Physics, or related fields 
• Proven hands-on experience and knowledge of various synthesis methods in solid-state chemistry, preferably the methods used for the synthesis of mixed-anion compounds
• Technical skills in materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, XPS, SEM, etc.)       
• Technical skills in crystal structure analysis 
• Fluency in English (both spoken and written)
• Ability to work both in teams and independently 
• Strong communication and social skills 
• Willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry 

Qualifications (as assets):

• Research experience in X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron radiation facilities
• Research experience in solid state chemistry and crystal structure analysis 
• A track record of experience in writing scientific publications
• Technical skills in scientific illustration and animation to deliver visual knowledge of the project 
• Proven record in participating in national and international research projects and programs
• Strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group

Contact information

Further information is available from Prof. Mirabbos Hojamberdiev (mirabbos@mci.sdu.dk; Tel: +45 6550 7483 or the Head of the Institute, Prof. Dr. Horst-Günter Rubahn (rubahn@mci.sdu.dk). 

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying, candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• One-page motivation letter that describes the applicant’s educational background and previous research experience most relevant to the offered position and the reason for applying to the PhD program.  
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). 
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• Research statement on developing novel mixed anion compounds, particularly metal (oxy)nitrides, for solar water splitting may also be included.
• References may be included, you’re welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)