We are looking for a motivated and creative candidate to fill a position as a PhD student as part of the MSCA Doctoral Network “SPACER” (Shaping Porous Electrode Architecture to Improve Current Density and Energy Efficiency in Redox Flow Batteries). SPACER aims to develop new architectures for porous electrodes to improve the power density and energy efficiency of redox flow batteries (RFB), enabling affordable and durable long-duration energy storage. The approach is to use hierarchical structures, i.e., complex material layers that can be optimized to specific battery chemistries and flow phenomena from the microscale up. The developed technologies will be validated in half-cells and full working batteries at industrial partners at TRL 6.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your task will be to use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and other complimentary characterisation techniques to provide holistic and detailed performance characterisation of new hierarchical porous carbon electrodes developed in the network. You will leverage advanced data analysis methods such as Distribution of Diffusion Times to obtain insight into mass transfer and microstructural effects in the new generation of electrodes. The project will be carried out in collaboration with network partners, requiring 3-6 months of secondments abroad.
You will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 17 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe. You will be supported by two mentors within the SPACER project and will have multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training. Through your work you will gain a unique skill set at the interface between modelling and prototyping of electrode materials, including characterization of electrodes using spectroscopical and electrochemical techniques at different levels from micro-scale to macro-scale.
You are expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and to disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at international conferences.
In accordance with the European Union’s funding rules for doctoral networks, applicants must NOT yet have a PhD.
You must have:
Additionally, experience with programming and/or mathematical modelling is an advantage.
Due to the MSCA mobility requirement, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.
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
.
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 anticipated starting date is 1 April 2026.
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
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Johan Hjelm (johh@dtu.dk
). Please note that applications sent by email will not be considered.
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 . 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 30 November 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:
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.
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us 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.