Postdoc in Mechanical Development of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Technology - DTU Energy

Would you like to contribute to cutting-edge research on developing the next generation of solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology? DTU Energy is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research activities focused on the mechanical development of SOEC cell and stack components.

Electrolysis and green hydrogen play a central role in Power-to-X schemes to produce green fuels and facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy future. SOECs, which operate at high temperature (typically in the range of 600 to 850 °C), offer the highest efficiency among different electrolysis technologies. Nonetheless, SOEC technology is less mature and requires further improvements in both performance and robustness. Mechanical robustness and stability are essential for achieving long-term reliability and enhancing the competitiveness of the technology.

Due to the intermittency of renewable energy sources, SOEC technology should be capable of dynamic operation, which is essential for effective system-level integration. This poses mechanical challenges, particularly because SOECs contain brittle materials and interfaces.

At DTU Energy, we are working to enhance the mechanical robustness of cell and stack components and gain deeper insights into their behavior under technologically relevant conditions. This includes studying, e.g., strength and fracture toughness, viscoelastic properties, interfacial fracture energy of sealants and contact layers, and creep behavior of stack components. These properties are studied across a range of temperatures and under conditions representative of dynamic operation.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Studying the mechanical behavior of solid oxide cell and stack materials
• Commissioning, modifying, and maintaining testing equipment
• Developing new mechanical testing methods
• Preparing samples for mechanical testing, and carrying out post-mortem and fractographic analysis
• Working in collaboration with colleagues at DTU Energy and industrial partners to improve the reliability of SOEC stacks
• Publishing your research results in relevant peer-reviewed journals

To succeed in this role, you should:

• Have a strong knowledge of mechanics of materials and hands-on experience with mechanical testing
• Have experience with CAD design, for example, using software such as SOLIDWORKS or similar
• Be highly motivated with a strong interest in the research subject
• Possess excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team, be happy to share thoughts and receive feedback from other team members, and be able to carry out parallel tasks

In addition, it is preferable that you:

• Have experience with processing/sintering of functional ceramics
• Have experience with materials characterization techniques, e.g., SEM/EDX and XRD
• Have knowledge of SOEC materials and technology

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.

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 start date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). This position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Section, Professor Peter Vang Hendriksen ([email protected]) or Assistant Professor Peyman Khajavi ([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 8 December 2025 (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

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
2025-12-08T22:59:00+00:00