R1-PhD Position: Hydrogen Production by 3D printed Electrolyzers

IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya invites applications for a PhD position focused on developing next-generation solid oxide electrolyzer stacks for hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The project emphasizes 3D-printed ceramic electrolyzers within a collaborative, international research setting.

The MSc graduate will design, fabricate, and test ceramic components, optimize materials, and contribute to scalable energy conversion technologies in a dynamic energy research group.

Qualifications

• MSc in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Hands-on experience in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, materials synthesis or electrochemical devices.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, solid-state ionics, hydrogen technologies, electrolyzers, fuel cells or related energy conversion systems.
• Experience with structural, microstructural, mechanical or electrochemical characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize 3D-printed ceramic electrolyizers and SOEC stacks.
• Investigate materials processing, interfaces and device assembly for hydrogen production.
• Conduct electrochemical testing under realistic operating conditions and analyze results.
• Collaborate within an international research team and contribute to publications.

Skills

Ceramic processing

Additive manufacturing

Materials synthesis

Electrochemical devices

Electrochemistry

Solid-state ionics

Hydrogen technologies

Electrolyzers / fuel cells

Characterization techniques

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Education

MSc in Materials Science or related field

Tools

CAD tools

3D printing technologies

Job description

The Nanoionics and Fuel CellsGroup is seeking a motivated MSc graduate to join an ambitious PhD project focused on the development of next-generation solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) stacks for hydrogen and synthetic fuel production.

The PhD project will address key scientific and technological challenges in the design, fabrication and operation of 3D-printed ceramic electrolyzers.

A central objective of the project is the realization of SOEC stacks capable of operating under pressurized conditions, enabling more efficient hydrogen production while reducing downstream compression requirements. The research will involve the design and fabrication of ceramic components by 3D printing, optimization of functional materials and interfaces, stack assembly, and electrochemical testing under realistic operating conditions. The developed technology will also be explored for the production of synthetic fuels and other power-to-X applications.

The work will combine ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, electrochemistry, materials characterization and device engineering. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of disruptive electrolyzer concepts that could significantly improve the efficiency, flexibility and scalability of future hydrogen production systems.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable energy technologies within a dynamic and internationally recognized research team with extensive expertise in solid-state electrochemical devices, ceramic manufacturing and hydrogen technologies.

We are looking for a curious, creative and proactive researcher with a strong interest in experimental science and a desire to contribute to breakthrough advances in hydrogen production and electrochemical energy conversion.

Qualifications and experience required(at the moment of start):

The call is open to candidates of any nationality fulfilling the following criteria:

• Hold an MSc in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related disciplines.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, materials synthesis or electrochemical devices.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, solid-state ionics, hydrogen technologies, electrolyzers, fuel cells or related energy conversion systems.
• Experience with structural, microstructural, mechanical or electrochemical characterization techniques.
• Interest in hydrogen production, power-to-X technologies and sustainable energy systems.
• Familiarity with CAD tools, 3D printing technologies or advanced manufacturing processes is considered an asset.
• Basic skills in data analysis and scientific programming.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Strong communication and scientific writing skills.
• Previous research experience through MSc projects, internships or publications is highly valued.

Personal Skills:

• Initiative in research and innovation
• Flexibility
• Results-oriented
• Analytical and synthesis capabilities

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, specifying the completed degree and any relevant professional experience.
• BSc and MSc transcripts.
• Motivation letter explaining interest in the project and fit with the position.

Offer of job position:

We offer a 36-month PhD scholarship.

Salaries will follow IREC’s salarypolicy, adjusted to the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The expected starting date is October-November 2026.