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Søren Bredmose Simonsen
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PhD scholarship in Operando Electron Microscopy of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Technical University of Denmark in Denmark
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full PhD scholarship/studentship with salary/appointment under the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations collective agreement; 3-year full-time appointment.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Denmark
University
Technical University of Denmark
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Keywords
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About this position
This PhD project at DTU Energy, Technical University of Denmark, focuses on one of the central durability challenges in green hydrogen production: understanding how solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) degrade and how some of that degradation can be reversed during reversible operation.
The student will use operando transmission electron microscopy to observe a miniaturised SOEC while it operates under gas atmospheres and temperatures up to 900 °C. The goal is to watch nanoscale changes as electrochemical polarisation is applied and then reversed, linking the direction of operation to microstructural evolution. The project is especially interested in mechanisms such as crack formation, carbon poisoning, cation segregation, and contamination migration.
The work combines advanced microscopy with electrochemistry and materials analysis, including imaging, diffraction, EDS, EELS, and analysis of electrochemical test data. The project is embedded in DTU Energy’s collaborative environment, where research spans functional materials and sustainable energy conversion and storage. The student will work closely with a main supervisor and co-supervisors, and the project also includes a planned research stay at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, to support sample preparation and international collaboration.
The broader research context is the reversible-operation concept being developed with industrial partner DynElectro, aiming to improve the lifetime and commercial viability of SOEC technology. The project connects fundamental nanoscale materials science with an industry-relevant energy application.
Funding details
Full PhD scholarship/studentship with salary/appointment under the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations collective agreement; 3-year full-time appointment.
What's required
A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent academic level in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field is required. Applicants should have a background in materials characterisation, solid-state chemistry, or electrochemistry, be curious about fundamental materials science, enjoy hands-on experimental laboratory work, and communicate clearly in written and spoken English. Prior experience with electron microscopy, electrochemical testing, and solid oxide cell technology is not required. Applications may be submitted before the master's degree is obtained, but the degree must be received before starting.
How to apply
Submit the complete online application via the Apply now link. Upload one PDF in English containing a cover letter, CV, grade transcripts, BSc/MSc diploma with grading scale description, and a 1-page response to the five experience questions. Apply by 27 November 2026 at 23:59 Danish time.
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Professors
Associate Professor at Technical University of Denmark
Denmark
Research Interests
Electrochemistry
Physics
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Material Characterization
Catalysis
Professor at Technical University of Denmark
Denmark
Research Interests
Physics
Hydrogen Technology
Energy Materials
Material Characterization
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Professor at Technical University of Denmark
Denmark
Research Interests
Educational Technology
Physics
Chemistry
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Catalysis
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