PhD scholarship in manufacturing the next generation of electrolysis cells for sustainable hydrogen production - DTU Energy

Do you want to contribute to developing new materials for green hydrogen production?

DTU Energy is offering a PhD position in the fabrication of the next generation of electrolysis cells based on proton-conducting ceramics. The position is a part of our broad project portfolio in the areas of development and upscaling electrolysis technologies.

The removal of fossil fuels is an important ambition, seconded by specific targets in several parts of the world. In this context, shares of electricity production from wind and solar are increasing. The fluctuating and interruptive nature of these sources requires means of storage and “difficult-to-electrify” sectors like shipping and aviation need green fuels. Solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technologies owing to their high efficiencies can solve this challenge by converting excess electricity into storable compounds such as hydrogen and high energy density transportation fuels. Conventional SOE has reached a matureness allowing for demonstration and field-testing, based on electrolyte- or fuel-electrode configurations. 

To enhance the efficiency of this technology even further, DTU is spearheading the development of the next generation of Solid Oxide Electrolysers (SOE) capable of operating at lower temperatures while maintaining higher efficiency. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position is part of a large European Research project on clean hydrogen production. 

You will work on the fabrication of the next generation of low-temperature solid oxide cells based on proton-conducting ceramics. The focus will be on material development, characterization, and manufacturing processes, like tape casting and screen printing. 

You will also assist in the physical, structural, and electrochemical characterization of these cells. The fabrication goals are: Development of new materials, preparation of inks/slurries based on these, and identification of suitable shaping process parameters and sintering conditions to realize cells that surpass existing cells in terms of performance and durability.

Key tasks will be: 

• Development and characterization of inorganic materials 
• Formulation of inks/slurries for tape casting and/or screen printing and to develop robust and efficient       fabrication processes. New ideas and fabrication processes can be explored.
• Optimization of the microstructure of the different layers in the next generation of cells with their physical and structural characterization.
• Integration of your findings into production processes and upscaling to an industrial-relevant scale. 
• You will work together in a larger international team, with colleagues working on other aspects of ceramic processing and electrochemical characterization. The position is in collaboration with a large European consortium, and you will have regular contact with academic and industrial partners.

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 chemistry, material science, physics, engineering, or similar.

Moreover, you should have:

• Innovative skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams
• The ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a dynamic group. 
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Experience with material synthesis and physical & and chemical. 
• Experience with high-temperature ceramics and/or ceramic shaping is an advantage. 

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 Wolff-Ragnar Kiebach in collaboration with a diverse and inclusive team of selected members.

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 is May 15th, 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
In case you have further questions, please contact Professor Wolff-Ragnar Kiebach (woki@dtu.dk). 

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, only online applications as described below will be considered. 

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.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 . 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 4 April 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.

DTU Energy is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found at  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 13,500 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.