Postdoc in Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells - DTU Energy

We seek a postdoc to participate in a new and exciting research project funded by the Villum Foundation for Power to X. We are working on a new monolithic solid oxide electrochemical cell. The project aims to characterize the performances of a device in the fuel cell and electrolysis modes.
If you are interested in working in the blooming energy sector for new green energy and starting a company that can make the difference, this is the opportunity for you. At DTU Energy, we continuously strive for innovative energy solutions. We seek a postdoc candidate to participate in a new and exciting research project funded by the Villum Foundation for Power to X technologies (VPX Accelerator). The project includes a collaboration between DTU Energy and DTU Construct. We will work on a new monolithic proprietary Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cell concept for remote applications.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project aims to fabricate and characterize the electrochemical performances of a device in the fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Prof. V. Esposito coordinates the project at DTU Energy, focusing on the functionalization of the electrodes and the electrochemical test of the SOCs.

The postdoc includes the following list of responsibilities:

• Chemical synthesis: You will fabricate ceramic suspension for the electrodes.
• Sintering: You will assemble the materials on a monolithic substrate and consolidate them via high-temperature sintering.
• Structural, microstructural and chemical compositions: You will characterize the nanostructures using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Tomography, and electron microscopy techniques.
• Electrical characterization: You will characterize the electrochemical cells using various electrochemical methods, including AC and DC techniques.
• Project management: You are expected to collaborate with the PI to report to the foundation.

Other characterization methods at tomography synchrotron facilities in the EU may be adopted throughout the project. As a part of the employment, you will be involved in several activities from the DTU Energy department regarding clean energy materials and technologies to transition to a green future.

You should have:

• A PhD degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or similar
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• The ability to work independently with a solid drive to plan and carry out complicated tasks
• Interest in contributing positively to a new research group with a collaborative and diverse culture
• A creative mindset for solving problems and identifying new directions and opportunities in your project.

We also value experience with:

• Oxygen-defective metal oxide materials.
• Hands-on lab work with ceramics and electroceramics.
• Characterization of materials by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Tomography.
• Electrochemical characterization techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, DC methods and cyclic voltammetry.
• Interest in innovation and spin-off actions

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 one year, starting from the 1st of February 2025 or shortly after.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof Vincenzo Esposito ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://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 22 October 2024 (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)
  • in you application, please reply to the following:
    • Are you interested in energy technologies and electrochemistry?
    • Are you intrigued by bringing new energy systems to the market?
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• List of references (at least two)

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.

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. The department focuses on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, polymer solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity, thermoelectrics, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. Additional information about the department can be found 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.

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