PhD scholarships for Development and Test of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells

In order to achieve the climate goals of reducing CO2 emissions, installations for converting renewable energy like wind and solar into electricity emerge rapidly throughout the world. The fluctuating nature of these sources makes it necessary to store this electricity efficiently for later use or for other applications such as fueling vehicles. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) are emerging as important contributors, due to their flexibility, versatility, and high conversion efficiencies of >85% at system level.

DTU Energy has developed solid oxide technology over decades and is among the leading research institutions. Topics range from materials research to develop better electrodes to development of advanced methodologies for characterization.

DTU Energy has two PhD positions within the frame of two European projects. They include

The development of metal based solid oxide cells for co-electrolysis and detailed electrochemical characterization of performance and durability at elevated pressure.

The detailed electrochemical characterization of performance and durability of cells/stacks fabricated through additive manufacturing at elevated pressure.

The units will furthermore be evaluated for their compositional and structural features using electron microscopy.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be working with a team of researchers, engineers, technicians, postdocs and other master and PhD students. Furthermore, you will be integrated in the respective project team of the European partners.

You should preferably be:

• Experienced with lab-work and with technical installations
• Experienced with recording and analysis of electrochemical data
• Experienced with microstructural/compositional characterization tools (e.g. electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction etc.)
• Be a good team-worker
• Have a MSc background in technical sciences or engineering, i.e. chemistry, material science, physics, nano-technology, energy technology or other relevant background

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.

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 Professor Anke Hagen.

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Preferred starting date is January/February 2023.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromProfessor Anke Hagen (anke@dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.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 .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than25 November 2022 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, electromechanical converters, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. The Department, which has more than 200 employees, was founded in 2012. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk .

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.