PhD scholarship in Nanopatterned 2D Materials for Ionic and Electronic Device Applications - DTU Physics

If you are an ambitious early-career researcher with a passion for nanofabrication and 2D materials, this PhD position offers the chance to shape new frontiers in nanofluidics, electronics, and neuromorphic computing. 

You will join an international collaboration between DTU, EPFL, and Max Planck, gaining unique opportunities to work at the intersection of materials science, physics, and device engineering.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to develop and apply nanofabrication methods for smoothly varying lithographic structures in van der Waals heterostructures and transition metal oxide membranes using a Heidelberg Nanofrazor scanning thermal probe lithography system. The project is 2/3 funded by an Alliance Stipend collaboration with EPFL, combining DTU’s strengths in 2D material device fabrication with EPFL’s expertise in ionic transport and electroosmotic flow. The project is also 1/3 funded by the Danish Independent Research Fund project Breaking Inversion Symmetry by Controlling Crystal Curvature (BISCU) led by DTU Energy, where you will contribute to the development of new greyscale nanolithography techniques as applied to free-standing oxide membranes. You will work closely with our partner institutions and collaborators in both projects, including DTU Energy, EPFL and Max Planck Stuttgart.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and fabricate nanofluidic systems and greyscale electronic potential landscapes with scanning probe lithography
• Assemble and integrate van der Waals heterostructures into electronic and nanofluidic devices
• Characterize devices for ionic transport, fluid separation, and neuromorphic computing
• Collaborate with EPFL researchers on ionic current and flow measurements
• Collaborate with DTU and Max Planck Stuttgart researchers on the fabrication of smoothly varying potential landscapes and on measurements of curvature-induced ferroelectric or magnetic responses.
• Disseminate results through publications and conferences
• Contribute to regular joint project meetings and supervision activities

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 in physics, nanotechnology, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field. We expect you to be motivated to work in cleanroom environments, familiar with experimental nanoscience, and able to collaborate effectively in an international team.

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 through interview and subject to academic approval by the PhD Study Board at DTU Physics. 

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 of the employment is 23 December 2025 at the latest. The position is a full-time position.  

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy John Booth (tibo@dtu.dk), and at the website https://physics.dtu.dk/research/sections/2dphys.

You can read more about DTU Physcis at www.physics.dtu.dk. 

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 Wednesday, 15 October 2025 (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.

At DTU Physics, we perform research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technologies.

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 13,500 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.