PhD scholarship in Understanding Water Transport and Degradation Pathways in Membranes Tailored for CO2 Reduction Reactors - DTU Energy

Are you pursuing your scientific career within the area of material science and electrochemistry with a focus on polymer studies and looking for the best possible foundation to move toward your aspirations and career ambitions? It is right here at DTU Energy. 

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in polymer science, material science, or electroanalytical chemistry. In this role, you will get an opportunity to work with collaborators across the department and world to tackle challenging aspects of polymer electrolyte-based CO2 reduction.

The research is relevant for sustainable energy technologies involving applications of functional membranes. Examples include fuel cells, electrolysers, flow batteries, and other electrochemical energy conversion devices. This project is dedicated to the exploration of properties and characteristics of novel membranes using new (in-situ and ex-situ) methodologies and techniques to undercover reasons for frequently overlooked issues in CO2 reduction reactors. The methods will be developed using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), as well as Fluorescence Microscopy. The project will be based at DTU Energy, that has a strong R&D program within sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.

Responsibilities and qualifications 
This project is devoted to the exploration of anion-exchange membranes’ morphologies, water transport within the polymer membrane, as well as degradation pathways when used in electrochemical flow reactors for CO2 conversion applications. The objectives include understanding of swelling behavior and the effect it has on the morphology of a membrane, development of a pH-sensing technique using fluorescence microscopy studies, methodology development, and evaluation of the obtained results. 

Your primary tasks include: 

• Preparation and basic characterization of ion-exchange membranes
• In-depth study of swelling behavior in various electrolytes using in-operando SAXS technique and well as traditional methodologies
• Selection/preparation/optimization of pH-sensitive fluorescent probes and strategies for further incorporation into the polymer system
• Development of assessment strategies for local pH changes in CO2 reduction reactors
• Establishment of lab-scale setups for concept proof and technical evaluation

Qualifications 

• 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, preferably in chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or similar fields
• Innovative skills and ability to work in an international and multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge or research experience in material science or electrochemical energy conversion 
• Preferably practical experience with polymer materials or membranes research
• Basic knowledge of Python is desired 

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 Assistant Professor Anastasiia Konovalova ([email protected] ) and Head of Section Johan Hjelm ([email protected] ). 

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 preferred starting date is January 1st, 2025, or according to our mutual agreement. The position is full time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Anastasiia Konovalova ([email protected] ) or Head of Section Johan Hjelm ([email protected] ).

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 7 October 2024 (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
• Documents showing relevant competencies and experience in energy storage and conversion related fields if available 

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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. The researchers in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage work on technologies and materials for direct conversion and subsequent storage of different forms of energy.

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.