Postdocs (3) in Solid Oxide Cells: Cell Development and Stack Design & Fabrication – DTU Energy

If you are planning to establish your career as a scientist with a particular focus on electrochemical energy conversion devices and are looking for the best possible platforms to fulfill your goal, DTU Energy is offering several postdoctoral positions in the fabrication of the next generation of solid oxide cells and stacks. These positions are part of our broad project portfolio in the areas of:

• Advanced ceramic manufacturing of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECS), and
• Design and fabrication of SOEC stacks

The removal of fossil fuels in the energy and transport sector is an important ambition, seconded by specific targets in several parts of the world. In this context, shares of electricity production from wind and solar are increasing. The fluctuating and interruptive nature of these sources requires means of storage and “difficult-to-electrify” sectors like shipping and aviation need green fuels. Solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technologies owing to their high efficiencies can solve this challenge by converting excess electricity into storable compounds such as hydrogen and high energy density transportation fuels. Conventional SOE has reached a matureness allowing for demonstration and field-testing, based on electrolyte- or fuel-electrode-supported configurations. 

To enhance the efficiency of this technology even further, DTU is spearheading the development of the next generation of Solid Oxide Electrolysers capable of operating at lower temperatures while maintaining higher efficiency. Moreover, to guarantee widespread industrial adoption of these developed cells, the fabrication processes used in manufacturing must be both scalable and robust. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
These positions are opened to strengthen our R&D capabilities in i) ceramic shaping and manufacturing processes, especially in tape casting and screen printing, and ii) in designing, optimizing, and manufacturing of SOEC stacks. 

You will work on the fabrication of the next generation of solid oxide cells and/or stacks. These can be metal-supported or conventional ceramic-based SOECs. You will also assist in the physical, structural, and electrochemical characterization of these cells/stacks. The fabrication goals for the first topic are are: Development of new materials, preparation of inks/slurries based on these, and to identify suitable shaping process parameters and sintering conditions to realize cells that surpass existing cells in terms of performance and durability. For the second topic, the main tasks will include designing improved SOEC stack components (interconnects, sealing solutions, etc.) and stack assembly. You can also be involved in the electrochemical testing of the assembled stacks.

Key tasks, depending on the position, will be: 

• Formulation of inks/slurries for tape casting and/or screen printing and to develop robust and efficient fabrication processes. New fabrication processes can be explored.
• Development and optimization of the different SOEC stack components (interconnects, sealings, etc.) and their characterization.
• Assembly of SOEC stacks
• Integration of your findings into manufacturing processes and upscaling to an industrial-relevant scale. Cells and stacks, based on the new findings, have an area/footprint larger than 100 cm2. 
• You will work together in a larger team, with colleagues working on other aspects of ceramic processing and electrochemical characterization. The positions are in collaboration with the industry, and you will have regular contact with the industrial partners.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering or similar.

Moreover, you should have:

• Innovative skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams
• The ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a dynamic group. 
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Experience with materials processing, physical & and chemical characterization 
• Experience with high-temperature ceramics and/or slurry/paste-based shaping, SOEC stack assembly, as well as research experience besides your Ph.D., are advantages.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Wolff-Ragnar Kiebach in collaboration with a diverse and inclusive team of selected members.

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 planned starting time is 1 October 2024 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
In case you have further questions, please contact Professor Wolff-Ragnar Kiebach (woki@dtu.dk) or Senior Researcher Bhaskar Reddy Sudireddy (bhsu@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 4 August 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 

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 (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 270 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.