VPX-Fellow: Electrolyte Chemist – DTU Physics

VPX-fellowship positions in lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis pre-spin-out at DTU Physics.

If you are a talented and dedicated chemist who wants to join the exciting pre-stages of a start-up, and are ready to hit the ground running, consider joining Nitrofix Solutions. You will be joining a young, diverse, highly motivated, and focused team, who is looking for colleagues that share our vision of decarbonizing and decentralizing ammonia production worldwide.

We have received a Villum Power-to-X (VPX) accelerator grant over a 21 month period, starting October 2022 and ending June 2024. As part of the accelerator we will upscale a single flow cell to an electrolyzer type electrochemical stack. This system will produce ammonia (NH₃) in ~kg/day under near-ambient conditions from electricity, water, and air. The project is based on recent breakthroughs on lithium-mediated electrochemical ammonia synthesis, and we now aim at scaling up and commercializing the process.

We expect to incorporate at the end of the accelerator program, and are therefore also looking for individuals who want to join the start-up journey. This is not a position aimed for someone who intends to stay in academia, as the focus will not be on publications. The position will be at DTU Physics, VPX centre.

The job
We are looking to hire a chemist responsible for optimizing the electrolyte in the process. This will involve suggesting, synthesizing, and screening various solvents, additives, and salts in the lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis process, while monitoring the degradation processes via, e.g., NMR and GCMS, and running post-characterization of the electrodes using XPS and XRD.

Our expectations of you
Qualifications and skills:

• a solid background of lab experience is expected;
• a strong background in organic chemistry will be considered an advantage;
• experience with lithium- and/or lithium-air batteries is preferred, given the similarities with these technologies;
• experience working with a glove box, Schlenk line, and overall familiarity with wet chemistry methods will be considered a big benefit.

The successful candidate is driven, proactive, and curious, and also willing and able to work as part of a team. The project is expected to spin out and lead to the founding of a start-up, so if the candidate is willing, there is also an option to proceed and join this.

The candidate must have a master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or Materials Science, and key skills and experiences relevant to the project will also be considered.

What we offer in return
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international atmosphere with the focus on research and innovation. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff, so skills development is an integral part of our organization. We offer great flexibility in the position. In the area of technical and natural sciences, DTU is one of the leading research and education institutions in Europe.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus. The position is a full-time position. The period of employment is from early 2023 until June 2024.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 13 December 2022. Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

All your materials should preferably be in English including:

• a cover letter motivating the application
• a curriculum vitae
• a list of publications, patents or other merits
• copies of relevant degrees diplomas (e.g., BSc, MSc, PhD)
• names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of 2 references

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Suzanne Zamany Andersen ([email protected] ) or Mattia Saccoccio ([email protected] )

You can read more about DTU Physics at www.fysik.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 .

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The national VILLUM P2X Accelerator Program (https://vpx.dtu.dk ) provides full scientific and entrepreneurial support to Fellows throughout the fellowship period to help technological concept in the P2X space emerging crossing the "valley of death" between research projects and viable start-ups or transfers to existing industry.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, 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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.
Kilde: Jobnet.dk