PhD scholarship in Operando Electron Microscopy of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells - DTU Energy

You will contribute to solving one of the key challenges in green energy: making solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) last longer. SOECs are the most efficient technology for producing hydrogen and other fuels from renewable electricity, but their commercial potential is held back by gradual performance loss. In this project you will use state-of-the-art electron microscopy, operating under real cell conditions, to watch degradation and recovery happen at the nanoscale, in real time. Your findings will directly inform how future electrolysis systems are operated and designed.

Our work supports the transition to a fossil-free energy system. DTU Energy is a diverse and collaborative research environment where we develop and investigate materials and technologies for sustainable energy conversion and storage. Your work will be part of this shared mission and will connect fundamental materials science with industry-relevant technology. Our partner DynElectro is already building commercial products on the reversible operation concept you will investigate.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The central idea of the project is that a solid oxide cell can periodically be switched from electrolysis mode to fuel cell mode, and that this simple switch can eliminate or reverse several types of degradation. Despite compelling experimental evidence, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood because until recently there was no way to observe what happens at the nanoscale while the cell is operating. That capability now exists at DTU, and this PhD project will develop it further.

You will conduct operando transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments in which a miniaturised SOEC is operated inside the microscope under gas atmospheres and temperatures up to 900 °C. You will systematically induce degradation by electrochemical polarisation and study its recovery as the polarisation direction is reversed. The primary focus is on crack formation and carbon poisoning, with secondary investigations of cation segregation and contamination migration.

You will work closely with your main supervisor and two co-supervisors, all experienced in complementary aspects of the project, and will be part of a supportive research group at DTU Energy. An external research stay of approximately 3 months at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, Seoul) is planned, offering an enriching international experience.

Your primary tasks will be to

• Carry out operando TEM experiments (imaging, diffraction, EDS, EELS)
• Analyse electrochemistry test data, for example from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• Prepare TEM samples, including during the research stay at KIST
• Interpret and publish results aimed at understanding the mechanistic links between polarisation direction and microstructural evolution

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field.

We welcome applications from candidates who

• Have a background in materials characterisation, solid-state chemistry, or electrochemistry
• Are genuinely curious about fundamental questions in materials science
• Enjoy hands-on experimental laboratory work
• Communicate clearly in written and spoken English

You do not need prior experience with electron microscopy, electrochemical testing, and solid oxide cell technology. The project includes full training in operando TEM, and we value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. If you are in doubt about whether your background is a good match, we encourage you to reach out before applying.

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 see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Søren Bredmose Simonsen (main supervisor), Dr. Xiufu Sun (co-supervisor, DTU Energy), Professor Søren Højgaard Jensen (co-supervisor, AAU Energy / DynElectro) and Professor Luise Theil Kuhn, (Head of section, DTU Energy).

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

Starting date is 1 February 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Søren Bredmose Simonsen, DTU Energy, [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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “ PhD relocation 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 than 27 November 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
• A 1-page document where you answer these five questions: Explain the type of experience (if any) you have with…
• electrochemistry?
• solid oxide cells?
• transmission electron microscopy?
• scanning electron microscopy?
• focused ion beam?

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's 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 Energy is focused on education, research, and development within 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 in 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 330 dedicated employees. Additional information about the department can be found on http://www.energy.dtu.dk .

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's 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 Europe's 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 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 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.