Postdoc in Reduced Electrolyser Degradation and Improved Catalytic Conversion using Alternating Current (2023-224-05354)

Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare, and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. Aalborg University educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community. 

AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, the position is in Aalborg. 

The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world. 

Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent. 

The position is offered in relation to the research program" Electro-Fuels" and the Postdoc will be positioned to the section for“Thermal Engineering”.

Research areas will be within CAPeX which is a 13-year and 300 MDKK“Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery”, funded by Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, the Danish National Research Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Villum Foundation. CAPeX is hosted by the Technical University of Denmark(DTU) and co-hosted by Aalborg University(AAU), and unites leading experts from DTU, AAU, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark with international partners from Stanford University, Utrecht University, and the University of Toronto to form a truly Pioneering Center on P2X.
You can read more about the CAPeX research themes and X-trails, our organization, and the other open PhD and postdoc cohort positions athttp://www.capex-p2x.com   

The solid oxide electrolysis cell technology offers unmatched efficiencies(>25% over SoA) but are prone to degradation at high current densities. Experimental results show that overlaying constant current with alternating current(referred to as AC:DC operation) can significantly extend the lifetime of SOE cells. This can facilitate a faster transition to more efficient electrolysis technologies. In this project, you will investigate how AC:DC operation conditions such as frequency, amplitude and duty cycle affects the SOE degradation rate. 

The successful candidate will work closely with the students and people in the CAPeX X-trail X2“Liquid Fuels for Aviation and Maritime Applications”, and with colleagues at SUNERGY focusing on study and design of complex and heterogeneous(electro)catalysts using integrated experiments. 

The successful candidate will have obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Master educations. A PhD degree with solid background in experimental and theoretical electrochemistry is required. Moreover, knowledge of materials science through university level courses or project work is preferred. Furthermore, the candidate should be highly motivated and willing to work in a team. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement. 

You may obtain further professional information from Professor Søren Højgaard Jensen,+45 2132 7932,[email protected]
When applying, you must indicate if you have also applied for other positions in the 2023 CAPeX cohort call. When relevant, you are encouraged to do so, and please indicate which positions you have applied for.

Read more about AAU atwww.aau.dk
Read more about the AAU Energy atwww.energy.aau.dk
Read more about the CAPeX Pioneer Centerhttp://www.capex-p2x.com  

Qualification requirements: 

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas(Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure, please contact Pernille Kjærup Sørensen HR-Servicecentre EST by [email protected]

Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seenhere.  

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities(the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.