PhD in Operando Electron Microscopy of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells

Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 430,000 - 470,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Energy in Denmark invites applications for a PhD project focusing on advancing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) by enabling operando TEM observations under real cell conditions. The project is conducted in collaboration with DynElectro and includes a planned external research stay at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seoul.

You will develop and apply operando TEM techniques to watch degradation and recovery at the nanoscale, contributing to durable, industry-relevant

Qualifications

• Two-year master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.
• Background in materials characterisation or electrochemistry is desirable.
• Clear written and spoken English.
• Hands-on experimental laboratory work is essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out operando TEM experiments (imaging, diffraction, EDS, EELS).
• Analyse electrochemistry data, e.g. impedance spectroscopy.
• Prepare TEM samples, including during the research stay at KIST.
• Publish results on mechanistic links between polarisation and microstructure.

Skills

Materials characterisation

Electrochemistry

Solid-state chemistry

English communication

Laboratory work

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Electron microscopy

Job description

You will contribute to solving one of the key challenges in green energy: making solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) last longer. SOECs are the most efficient technology for producing hydrogen and other fuels from renewable electricity, but their commercial potential is held back by gradual performance loss. In this project you will use state‑of‑the‑art electron microscopy, operating under real cell conditions, to watch degradation and recovery happen at the nanoscale, in real time. Your findings will directly inform how future electrolysis systems are operated and designed. Our work supports the transition to a fossil‑free energy system. DTU Energy is a diverse and collaborative research environment where we develop and investigate materials and technologies for sustainable energy conversion and storage. Your work will be part of this shared mission and will connect fundamental materials science with industry‑relevant technology.

Our partner DynElectro is already building commercial products on the reversible operation concept you will investigate.

An external research stay of approximately 3 months at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, Seoul) is planned, offering an enriching international experience.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The central idea of the project is that a solid oxide cell can periodically be switched from electrolysis mode to fuel cell mode, and that this simple switch can eliminate or reverse several types of degradation. Despite compelling experimental evidence, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood because until recently there was no way to observe what happens at the nanoscale while the cell is operating. That capability now exists at DTU, and this PhD project will develop it further.

In this project you will use state‑of‑the‑art electron microscopy, operating under real cell conditions, to watch degradation and recovery happen at the nanoscale, in real time. Your findings will directly inform how future electrolysis systems are operated and designed.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Carry out operando TEM experiments (imaging, diffraction, EDS, EELS)
• Analyse electrochemistry test data, for example from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• Prepare TEM samples, including during the research stay at KIST
• Interpret and publish results aimed at understanding the mechanistic links between polarisation direction and microstructural evolution

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 materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field.

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Have a background in materials characterisation, solid‑state chemistry, or electrochemistry
• Are genuinely curious about fundamental questions in materials science
• Enjoy hands‑on experimental laboratory work
• Communicate clearly in written and spoken English

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

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 Associate Professor Søren Bredmose Simonsen (main supervisor), Dr. Xiufu Sun (co‑supervisor, DTU Energy), Professor Søren Højgaard Jensen (co‑supervisor, AAU Energy / DynElectro) and Professor Luise Theil Kuhn, (Head of section, DTU Energy).

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. Starting date is 1 February 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full‑time position. The period of employment is 3 years. You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Søren Bredmose Simonsen, DTU Energy, [e-mail]. 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. Additionally, 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.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe’s global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.