Postdoc in Environmental Materials Science: Developing Novel Photocatalytic Biochar for Sustainable PFAS Destruction Part-time

Postdoctoral Researcher Position

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Environmental Chemistry and Physics invites applicants for a postdoc on novel photocatalytic biochar for PFAS destruction. Start date is 1 May, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and the position has a duration of 24 Months.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a high-impact research initiative addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges – the global “forever chemical” (PFAS) crisis. This exploratory project is funded by the Villum Experiment Programme and aims to move beyond conventional, energy-intensive separation technologies by investigating sustainable catalytic materials capable of destroying persistent PFAS compounds such as PFOA and PFOS.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development of an advanced biochar-based catalyst derived from waste biomass and enhanced through strategic element doping. The role will involve material synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and systematic performance evaluation in controlled and realistic water matrices, with the goal of probing mechanisms capable of breaking highly stable C–F bonds.

This position offers significant scientific independence and opportunities for high-impact publications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development. The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental understanding of catalytic PFAS degradation and help define design principles for next-generation materials within a laboratory-scale, proof-of-concept research framework, as well as teaching. The postdoc may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Dominique J. Tobler, dominique.tobler@plen.ku.dk.

Applicant Profile

• A PhD in environmental chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Solid understanding of interface and redox chemistry, with experience in photocatalytic or related catalytic processes.
• Proficiency in advanced material characterization techniques for bulk and surface properties, including biochars, carbon-based catalysts, or similar materials.
• Strong analytical chemistry skills and experience with quantitative measurements and method development.
• Competence in managing, processing, and analyzing experimental data, including statistical analysis.
• A track record of independent research and experience driving projects from conception to completion.
• Excels at collaboration and communication, working effectively across interdisciplinary teams and engaging diverse audiences.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and oral, with the ability to communicate research findings clearly to diverse academic and non-academic audiences.

Key Criteria for the Assessment of Candidates

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position
• Scientific publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Language skills

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research statement (max. 2 page) – description of previous/current research, your research ambitions, and how it relates to the advertised position
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 15 March, 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews will be held in end of March, 2026.