PhD scholarships in Electrodes for Alkaline Electrolysis

Electrolysis and power-to-X are becoming key energy technologies in the time to come. In particular alkaline technology has the potential for the first wave of large scale implementation due to moderate cost and high scalability. We at DTU Energy develop next generation advanced alkaline electrolyzers in close collaboration with industries and other universities. We announce two PhD scholarships within development of high performing electrodes for alkaline electrolyzers.

In Project 1, we will carry out with the leading Korean university KAIST and an internship at KAIST is part of the PhD project. Here you will develop three-dimensional porous electrodes.

Project 2 is a collaboration with a well-reputed Danish energy industry with a strong focus on trying new ideas in order to make the technology more cost competitive while at the same time strive for high performance. You join a working group, which sets on from an existing concept of plate-based electrodes and expects to revolutionize it. A short time to market is anticipated. 

At DTU Energy, we also develop anion-conducting membranes. You will be able to test your electrode in cells with such membranes.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus in both projects will be inorganic synthesis and materials characterization. Your work will be experimental and involve multiple techniques, some of which we might have to develop together.

You need the following specific qualifications

• Knowledge of and preferably experimental experience in electrochemistry.
• A background in inorganic chemistry or similar field.
• Candidates with knowledge on metallurgy and plating processes are welcomed

Besides you will take part in our teaching of BSc and MSc students in student projects and/or in the ordinary courses as Teaching Assistant.

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.

Applicable for all scholarships

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Jens Oluf Jensen, Mikkel Rykær Kraglund and Lars Nilausen Cleemann.

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
Starting time is as soon as possible according to mutual agreement. We expect that both project start autumn 2021. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

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 Professor Jens Oluf Jensen, [email protected]

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.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 29 October 2021 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here – in the right hand column)

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which project you are applying for, Project 1 or Project 2. However, noting the preferences, good candidates will be considered for both projects.

We will evaluate application as they are submitted and might call applicants for interview before the deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, electromechanical converters, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. The Department, which has more than 200 employees, was founded in 2012. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk .

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.