A 3-year PhD fellowship in catalytic biomass valorization is available in the Nielsen group at DTU Chemistry. If you find it interesting to combine studies in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis with the complex chemistry of carbohydrates and derivatives, then this position might be for you! Funded by a Green Research project by Independent Research Foundation Denmark, Associate Professor Martin Nielsen is hiring a person to develop the next-generation catalytic system for converting biomass to the valuable commodity chemical MeTHF. Professor Sebastian Meier, a leading expert on in situ NMR technology, is co-supervisor of the position. Please note that you will be working with another PhD student (position also open), who will be developing NMR techniques for quantitative analysis of the biomass transformations, supervised by Sebastian Meier.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to develop a hybrid catalytic system, i.e. a system consisting of two catalysts, that together can convert carbohydrates through several intermediates to selectively produce MeTHF. You will be working with a postdoc on this development for a period. Additionally, another PhD student on the project will be responsible for developing NMR protocols for quantitatively analysing the products of your catalytic transformations.

Your primary scientific role will be to design and synthesize heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts and test their catalytic performance in hydrogenative biomass conversion. Additionally, you will be expected to take your part in mentoring other students, e.g. BSc and MSc students, and disseminating your work to peers and the public when relevant.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

The successful candidate will have a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields.

The candidate must be able to work independently, but also participate in collaborations, strive toward scientific excellence, be highly motivated, ambitious, and hard-working. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required. The groups are ambitious and strive to publish in the leading international journals in the field.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Assoc. Prof. Martin Nielsen and Prof. Sebastian Meier and Head of Section Prof. Søren Kegnæs (DTU Chemistry). We strongly prefer to receive applications that have been drafted by the applicant, rather than by a language model.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. 

The starting date is March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Martin Nielsen (marnie@kemi.dtu.dk ), Professor Sebastian Meier (semei@kemi.dtu.dk ), or Head of Section, Professor Søren Kegnæs (skk@kemi.dtu.dk ).

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Chemistry performs research, educational activities, and innovation at a high international level within e.g. energy, catalysis, and materials. The overall aim is to contribute with new knowledge about basic scientific problems and carry out research with vast application perspectives - to the benefit of both society and companies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programs, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.