PhD scholarships in improved solid oxide cells for large-scale electrolysis DTU Energy

Do you want to help shape the next generation of highefficiency solid oxide electrolysers for hydrogen production

Electrolysis and power-to-X are becoming key technologies in the green transition as they will be essential for replacing the fossil-based fuels and materials that society relies on. Solid oxide electrolysis technology is a particularly promising technology because of high efficiency and thereby lower operational cost. However the performance cost and robustness of the technology can still be improved.

We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to further develop novel highperformance solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) concepts.

This is a job where you will get a chance to develop competences ranging across processing of ceramic materials advanced microstructural characterization electrochemical testing and electrochemical modelling.

Responsibilities and qualifications
In this PhD project your primary responsibilities will include:

• Designing fabricating and characterizing novel solid oxide electrolysis cells
• Conducting electrochemical performance and degradation tests and finding explanations for the results
• Collaborating with industrial partners ensuring manufacturability and scalability
• Documenting results in scientific papers reports and presentations

To be qualified for this position you should preferably have:

• A strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experimental experience from lab work e.g. on materials characterisation
• Creativity scientific curiosity and a willingness to challenge existing solutions
• A strong knowledge base in one or more of the following fields; inorganic chemistry electrochemistry or materials engineering/synthesis
• Excellent communication skills in English both written and spoken
• A degree in materials science chemical engineering energy engineering physics or a related field

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate 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 seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be made by: Head of Section Prof. Peter Vang Hendriksen Prof. Henrik Lund Frandsen and Postdoc Morten Phan Klitkou.

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
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.

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

The employment is expected to start 1 August 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Postdoc Morten Phan Klitkou () or Professor Henrik Lund Frandsen ().

You can read more about DTU Energy at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than29 May 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact information for two references

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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.

DTU Energyis focused on education research and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy 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. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells solar cells as well as batteries. We are ca. 300 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on. You will be a part of the research section; Solid State Electrochemistry.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive stimulating and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.