Postdoc in manufacturing and testing a novel prototype component for PEM electrolysis stacks - DTU Energy

Do you want to help shape the future of green hydrogen production by developing a novel electrolysis component that goes beyond today’s conventional PEM stacks? Are you excited about working in an entrepreneurial environment, helping mature a technology in the initial phase of a potential startup? If yes, this postdoctoral position is exactly for you.

At the Technical University of Denmark, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy), we conduct cutting-edge research in electrochemical energy technologies, with a strong focus on accelerating the green transition. PEM electrolysis plays a vital role in the emerging hydrogen economy, yet its performance and cost are still limited by traditional component architectures. There is a clear need for breakthroughs in the design and manufacturing of next-generation stack components.

In this project, we aim to develop, optimize, and test an innovative monolithic component that aims to substitute conventional porous transport layers (PTLs) and bipolar plates (BPPs) in PEM stacks. Using advanced, scalable manufacturing methods, you will tailor the internal microstructure to improve mass transport, mechanical robustness, and interfacial behaviour between the different PEM stack layers. This approach will allow us to explore architectures that are not achievable with conventional fabrication routes.

Your role as a postdoctoral researcher will be to design, fabricate, and experimentally validate this new component. You will work hands-on with advanced manufacturing, structural characterization, and electrochemical testing. The development of a dedicated testing rig and stack design is also a central part of the project.

The key milestones of the project are:

• Realization of a first proof-of-concept that demonstrates the electrochemical performance of the new component.
• Optimization of the microstructure and mechanical properties through iterative design and advanced manufacturing.
• Scale-up to industry-relevant sizes, paving the way for practical implementation.

At the end of the postdoctoral project, we will have demonstrated a fully functional component integrated into a dedicated, lab-scale PEM stack—ready to be presented to industrial stakeholders. The project is funded by the Villum P2X Accelerator, a national innovation center supporting outstanding entrepreneurial P2X concepts. You will join a team of three postdoctoral researchers working on closely connected aspects of the same project. In addition, you will be involved in the entrepreneurial side of the work, participating in meetings and interactions with investors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Qualified applicants must have:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with powder manufacturing, tape casting, and sintering processes.
• Experience in electrochemical testing methods such as polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy is preferable.
• Experience in designing custom electrochemical cells and testing rigs is preferable.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex tasks from planning to execution, while also being a team player.
• Good written and spoken communication skills in English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 2 years. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2026 but is subject to negotiation.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Salvatore De Angelis, +45 28 97 94 98, [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 31 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

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

• Application (cover letter)
• CV incl. two references that the hiring committee may contact
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of 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 on 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 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at 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 mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 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.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-31T22:59:00+00:00