About this role
The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) and the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) , Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Sønderborg seek an outstanding candidate to fill a tenure track fellow position (assistant professor level) in the field of Materials Chemistry. The candidate is expected to start on January 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible. The application deadline is September 1, 2026, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) We are looking for an ambitious researcher with clear potential for research excellence who thrives in and is inspired by interdisciplinary collaboration. The ideal candidate will be expected to contribute to high-quality research in the field while embracing DIAS’s mission of curiosity-driven inquiry and interdisciplinary dialogue, as well as MCI’s strategic focus. The successful candidate should have a strong and promising research profile, with potential for attracting external research funding, and a demonstrated ability to work across disciplines. The candidate will be attached to both the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) in Sønderborg and DIAS and should be prepared to engage in multiple and diverse research environments at SDU. Who are we looking for? We seek a researcher with expertise in the field of materials chemistry, (photo)electrochemistry, spectro(photo)electrochemistry, spectroscopy of chemical compounds, or solar-to-X, who is eager to develop an excellent research career within the DIAS framework. Accordingly, teaching obligations will be minimized. The ideal candidate should demonstrate: A commitment to engaging in boundary-crossing interdisciplinary research and dialogue. A strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research that bridges multiple fields. Strong interest in driving internationally competitive research activities at the highest level of ambition. Engagement in various forms of research dissemination, including interdisciplinary research and dialogue. Focus on curiosity-driven research excellence, thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Strong interest in collaborating with industrial partners. Scientifically, the fellow is suggested to work in the field of electrochemical reactions for sustainable energy conversion, but to develop its own, curiosity driven research profile. The research should help to understand the underlying mechanisms governing (photo)electrochemical processes, including charge generation, separation, transfer, recombination, surface reactions, stability, and efficiency. A specific emphasis might be placed on applying in situ and in operando spectroscopic techniques at the lab-scale as well as at synchrotron facilities (e.g., XAS, Raman, XPS, UV-Vis, etc.) to identify reaction intermediates and correlate structure with their (photo)electrochemical performance. The research will involve advanced materials as catalysts, such as transition metal (oxy)nitrides, to provide fundamental insights that guide the rational design of efficient and stable (photo)electrochemical systems for pilot-scale studies. Qualifications Successful applicants must: Hold a PhD or similar qualifications within relevant fields of materials chemistry, (photo)electrochemistry, spectro(photo)electrochemistry, spectroscopy of chemical compounds, or electrochemistry solar-to-X. Have an excellent track record in related fields, supported by patents, first-author publications in reputed journals or similar Possess proven hands-on experience in designing a measurement setups for beamlines, measurements, or data analysis. Show potential for attracting external research funding. Experience in applying for external funding and a strong international network are considered comparative advantages. Have strong communication skills, a willingness to collaborate with other scientists and industry, and a strong interest in a long-term commitment to a growing research group. Be fluent in English. The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) DIAS at SDU is a hub for interdisciplinary excellence at and beyond the frontier of knowledge, bringing together outstanding researchers from various disciplines to foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and bold innovation. DIAS nurtures a collaborative and curiosity-driven environment, encouraging scholars to think outside the box and challenge conventional boundaries. The institute values open-minded exploration and an ambitious yet collegial atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Researchers affiliated with DIAS are expected to contribute actively to DIAS activities, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across faculties and departments, both nationally and internationally. The Mads Clausen Institute The Mads Clausen Institute covers research and education spanning from foundations to applications of engineering science. Most of our courses are taught in English, reflecting the fact that 75% of our students and staff are international. SDU NanoSYD, with about 30 coworkers, is 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. Besides being part of vibrant global science and technology networks, the institute also has very close relations with industries in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany. The fellow will be embedded in the CatMatX Research Group led by Mirabbos Khujamberdiev focused on research into functional catalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion at SDU NanoSYD. This includes the synthesis and advanced characterization of transition metal (oxy)nitrides for applications like water splitting, ammonia decomposition, hydrogen production, etc. The research emphasizes understanding structure-property relationships and improving catalytic efficiency and stability. The Assistant Professor’s