PhD scholarship in Operando Electron Microscopy of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells - DTU Energy

Technical University of Denmark (DTU); Denmark; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Energy is seeking a PhD candidate to study solid oxide cells under operando TEM conditions. The project will examine how polarization affects microstructure and degradation, with a 3-month international research stay at KIST in Seoul.

The successful candidate will contribute to understanding fundamental materials science questions, receive full training in operando TEM, and join a supportive DTU Energy team with strong collaboration across institutes.

Qualifications

• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.
• Background in materials characterisation, solid-state chemistry, or electrochemistry.
• Willingness to learn and perform hands-on experimental laboratory work.
• Clear written and spoken English communication.

Responsibilities

• Carry out operando TEM experiments with imaging, diffraction, EDS, and EELS.
• Analyze electrochemistry test data, e.g. impedance spectroscopy.
• Prepare TEM samples, including during a research stay at KIST.
• Interpret and publish results on the link between polarisation and microstructure evolution.

Skills

Materials characterisation

Electrochemistry

Solid-state chemistry

Education

MSc in materials science

Tools

Operando TEM (TEM)

EDS

EELS

Job description

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.

You will conduct operando transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments in which a miniaturised SOEC is operated inside the microscope under gas atmospheres and temperatures up to 900 °C. You will systematically induce degradation by electrochemical polarisation and study its recovery as the polarisation direction is reversed. The primary focus is on crack formation and carbon poisoning, with secondary investigations of cation segregation and contamination migration.

You will work closely with your main supervisor and two co‑supervisors, all experienced in complementary aspects of the project, and will be part of a supportive research group at DTU Energy. An external research stay of approximately 3 months at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, Seoul) is planned, offering an enriching international experience.

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

You do not need prior experience with electron microscopy, electrochemical testing, and solid oxide cell technology. The project includes full training in operando TEM, and we value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. If you are in doubt about whether your background is a good match, we encourage you to reach out before applying.

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).

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. 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.

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 focused on education, research, and development within 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 in 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 330 dedicated employees. Additional information about the department can be found on http://www.energy.dtu.dk .

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DTU 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.