The posting
We are seeking an enthusiastic new colleague as a postdoctoral research associate in the field of Materials Chemistry with a strong background, particularly in Solid State Chemistry and (Photo)electrochemistry, 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 two years with an expected starting date of 01.03.2027.
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 have international roots. 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 project is hosted by the nanotechnology centre NanoSYD, a part of MCI, and it is integrated into the novel, active working group CatMatX, a research laboratory focused on developing next-generation catalytic materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications, by Professor Mirabbos Hojamberdiev. 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 MSc and PhD students affiliated with SDU NanoSYD, preparing project reports, presentations, and publications, as well as writing project proposals to support 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, and evaluation of materials performance 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.;
- Publishing of project results in international peer-reviewed scientific journals with high impact factors.
Potential Responsibilities
- Supervision of BSc, MSc, and exchange/visiting students who perform research work on similar research topics;
- Assistance in teaching activities;
- Assistance in setting up the research infrastructure;
- Assistance in the preparation of grant proposals for external funding.
Mandatory qualifications
- PhD degree in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Solid State Chemistry, Solid State Physics, Electrochemistry, 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);
- Proven track record of publishing in international peer-reviewed scientific journals as leading author;
- Fluency in English (both spoken and written);
- Ability to work in teams and also independently;
- Strong communication skills;
- Willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry.
The following qualifications are advantageous
- Research experience in X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron radiation facilities, DFT calculations and MD simulations;
- Research experience in electrochemistry and solar water splitting;
- Technical skills in scientific illustration and animation to deliver visual knowledge of the project;
- Proven record in participating in national and international research projects;
- Strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group.
Contact information
For more information about the department and the position, please contact Mirabbos Hojamberdiev ([email protected]) and Horst-Günter Rubahn ([email protected])
If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].
Conditions of employment
Appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 2-year period, and it starts on 01.03.2027. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. (no more than 4 years at the same university)
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.
The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser.
The assessment and evaluation process
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.
Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee and the shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns them. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicants to provide the necessary material.
Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.
The application
Applicants are encouraged to read the information "How to apply" before applying.
To qualify for the position as postdoc you must have obtained a PhD degree by the employment date.
Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:
- One-page motivation letter that describes the applicant’s previous research work and experience most relevant to the offered position.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Certificates/Diplomas (Bachelor, Master, and PhD degrees) – Danish and/or English transcripts.
- Complete list of publications (please highlight publications most relevant to the offered position).
- Research statement on developing novel transition metal-based mixed anion compounds, particularly (oxy)nitrides, for solar water splitting.
- A reference letter may be submitted, but is not required.
The application and all appendices must be in English. We request files in pdf-format no more than 5 MB per file. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.
If the application does not meet the requirements mentioned above, the faculty may reject your application without further notice. Applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
The application deadline is October 31, 2026 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).
The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.
Apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu
