The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applications for a PhD scholarship in the development of advanced test methods to improve understanding of the degradation processes that dictate the operation lifetime of solid oxide cells (SOC).
Transforming our society to rely only on sustainable energy sources is a formidable engineering challenge. Key to success will be the development of cost competitive and reliable methods to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water/steam driven by green electricity. Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in itself or serve as a reactant for the production of fuels like methanol, kerosene or even ammonia. Large scale and fast deployment of electrolysers is highly needed for the displacement of conventional fossil fuels. Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is one of several different electrolysis technologies, which holds merit in terms of high efficiency and potential to reach low cost. For SOEC to be cost competitive with other technologies, long lifetime of >5 years operation under high current density is desired. Operation conditions such as temperature, gas composition, current density and operation mode can have a large influence on performance and lifetime. Understanding the degradation mechanisms and their dependence on operation parameters is therefore highly important, not only for identifying conditions that allow long lifetime but also for identifying strategies for mitigating the degradation. The Development of fast and reliable tools for “state of health” monitoring that enables timely change in operation conditions to avoid the escalation of degradation will be key to ensure long operational life of SOEC’s.
Responsibilities
The candidate(s) will work on developing advanced and robust test methods for electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells (SOCs) at both cell and stack level. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and other advanced electrochemical characteristic techniques will be applied. Tests will be carried out in different operation modes including cyclic operation varying between fuel cell and electrolysis operation and fast switching
Key tasks will be
You will work together in a team with colleagues working on electrochemical characterization.
As part of the PhD education, you will follow courses and assist in teaching activities, and:
Qualifications
We favour candidates with a degree in materials science, solid state chemistry, electronic engineering or similar. Experience with one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage.
Moreover, the successful candidate
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
Your application will be assessed by associate Professor Xiufu Sun, and Professor Peter Vang Hendriksen.
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 http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from associate Professor Xiufu Sun (xisu@dtu.dk). Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
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 Friday 15 August 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.