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

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA; España; On-site; EUR 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36-month PhD scholarship

Job summary

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA invites MSc graduates to join an ambitious PhD project focused on developing next-generation solid oxide electrolyzer stacks for hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Additive manufacturing enables complex ceramic architectures to be explored and realized.

You will design, fabricate and test 3D-printed ceramic components, contribute to pressing objectives of the project and work within an internationally recognized team addressing energy conversion

Qualifications

• Master degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, materials synthesis or electrochemical devices.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, solid-state ionics, hydrogen technologies, electrolyzers or related energy conversion systems.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and 3D printing technologies is an asset.
• Excellent data analysis and scientific programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, fabrication and operation of 3D-printed ceramic SOEC stacks.
• Develop and evaluate new SOEC architectures for pressurized operation.
• Perform electrochemical testing under realistic conditions and characterize materials.
• Collaborate within an international research team to advance hydrogen production technologies.

Skills

MSc in Materials Science or related

Hands-on ceramic processing

Additive manufacturing

Knowledge of electrochemistry

CAD tools familiarity

Education

Master's Degree in Materials Science / related field

Job description

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA

Organisation/Company FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026 - 11:25 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Description:

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells Group 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 research aims to exploit the unique opportunities offered by advanced ceramic additive manufacturing to overcome current limitations in high-temperature electrolysis technologies.

The PhD project will address key scientific and technological challenges in the design, fabrication and operation of 3D-printed ceramic electrolyzers. The candidate will contribute to the development of innovative SOEC architectures that leverage additive manufacturing to create complex geometries and integrated stack components that are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional ceramic processing routes.

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.

• 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 salary policy, adjusted to the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The expected starting date is October-November 2026

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

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.