Postdoc in the Development and Implementation of Electrocatalysts and Accelerated Stress Test Protocols for Alkaline and Anion Exchange Electrolysis -

Are you interested in electrochemistry? Do you crave to develop advanced electrocatalysts and accelerated stress test protocols for alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis? Do you wish to participate in a collaborative effort within an EU project comprising a team of researchers from 9 EU countries? This PostDoc position could be for you.
Do you crave to develop high performing electrocatalysts and to help establish accelerated stress test protocols for alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis, to accelerate the large scale implementation of green hydrogen? Do you enjoy working in an international dynamic setting and wish to participate in a collaborative effort within an EU project with researchers from 9 EU countries? This postdoc position could be for you.

Hydrogen has emerged as a clean, flexible energy carrier for use as industrial feedstock, in generating power and heat, and in transportation. Currently, most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, specifically natural gas. A more sustainable approach for the production of hydrogen relies on the deployment of electrolysis technologies, due to their high efficiency and low environmental footprint.

At DTU Energy, we have been carrying out R&D in sustainable energy conversion technologies and especially electrolysis cells for many years and we are among the world’s leaders in research and development in this area. We have excellent facilities and competences for fabrication, modeling, testing and characterization of such devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The focus of this postdoc project is to develop high performing electrocatalysts and accelerated stress test protocols for elevated pressure alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis cells. Alkaline electrolysis is the most mature and low cost amongst electrolysis technologies, but requires a boost in performance and durability to further lower the price of green hydrogen to a level that can compete with fossil fuel derived hydrogen. Improving electrocatalyst performance and durability, raising operating pressure, and employing an anion exchange membrane will contribute greatly in this direction, and forms the main goal of this project.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Develop electrocatalysts for elevated pressure alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis
• Establish accelerated stress test protocols for different components of alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis cells
• Characterize the performance and durability of the developed electrocatalysts using the established accelerated stress test protocols and microscopic techniques such as SEM/TEM, EDS, XPS, etc.
• Implement the established accelerated stress test protocols for durability assessment of different cell components
• Collaborate with other project participants in the selection of promising electrocatalysts materials to be investigated and the formulation of AST protocols to be experimentally assessed
• Collaborate with other project participants who will exploit the use of the developed electrocatalysts in novel electrode structures and in scaling up production

Qualified applicants must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or similar, and be:

• experienced with electrochemical testing of electrocatalysts and cell components for alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis
• experience with pressurized systems for electrochemical testing is further advantageous
• highly motivated and enthusiastic about the research topic
• responsible, sincere, and forthcoming
• driven by challenges, forward looking, and pro-active
• able to work independently as well as within a team
• excited to be part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary group
• able to plan and carry out complicated tasks and to pursue parallel paths
• able to accommodate strict time boundaries imposed by the overall project goals
• good at communicating and reporting your work in both written and spoken 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. Starting date is 1 February 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Scientist Christodoulos Chatzichristodoulou ([email protected]) and by Head of Section and Professor Johan Hjelm ([email protected]).

You can read more about the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at www.energy.dtu.dk/english.

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 20 November 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)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• (Optional) Additional documents showing relevant competencies and experience

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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. The researchers in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage work on technologies and materials for direct conversion and subsequent storage of different forms of energy.

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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