Postdoc within PEM electrolyzer catalyst sustainable development

The Section of Chemical Engineering (ChE) at the Department of Green Technology (IGT), University of Southern Denmark, (SDU) invites applicants for a 1-year Postdoc position with the possibility of extension within the area of electrochemical energy conversion through proton exchange membrane-based energy conversion systems. The position is available from 01 June 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. 

The position offers a chance to share the unique expertise of the Research Unit Functional Material, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Circular Economy (MEC) within the fields of: 

• High throughput metal nano particle material synthesis and characterization
• Comprehensive electrochemical test platforms & energy conversion systems
• Operando measurement using synchrotron X-ray & neutron 
• Technical development in critical material circular economy

Job description
The successful candidate will get a unique chance to participate in research and collaboration with the scientific as well as commercial communities in the field of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer catalyst material development, characterization, production and recycling, and contribute to research within applied science.

The main tasks include the following activities:

1. Material development, synthesis and method optimization 
2. Metal nanoparticle catalyst and ceramic material and cell component comprehensive characterization and benchmarking 
3. Test protocol selection, development, validation and implementation
4. Cell component recycling and reuse
5. Inorganic chemical synthesis, material separation and purification, method development to provide recommendations for upscaling 

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-driven, collaborative candidate with a documented research background and engineering experience, and who communicates well in an international environment. Documented ability to publish in international peer reviewed journals is a strong merit. 

The candidate must be able to carry out independent, systematic and rigorous research and engineering work clearly aligned with the overall project activity. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

It is preferred if candidates have experience and contributions within one or more of the following areas:

• Proton exchange membrane electrolyzes
• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
• Photoelectrochemical /photochemical conversion
• Carbon materials
• Catalyst based on either precious or non-precious element syntheses/characterization 
• Catalytic body characterization or structure development for electrochemical conversion, emission control or petroleum chemistry 
• Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) preparation, characterization and postmortem analysis
• Wet (precious) metal chemistry
• Record of article reviews, contribution in book chapters or intellectual properties

Requirements for the position
Employment as a postdoctoral fellow for this position requires a PhD-degree or equivalent within in chemistry / chemical engineering / material science / physical chemistry /nanotechnology / metallurgy or a closely related field. 

The applications must include:

• A motivation letter including research statement
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and/or PhD) - Danish or English translation
• List of publications including full copies of the three most important representative publications
• A list of at least two contact details for references 

We offer
We offer an inspirational international research environment with excellent infrastructure including large scale facilities and strong collaborations with a vast international network, research organizations and commercial stakeholders. 

We offer a position from which to further develop fundamental chemistry and to combine this knowledge with an ambitious up-scale perspective.
 

The application deadline is 28 Feb. 2026, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).

The Department of Green Technology (IGT) focuses on the development of green and sustainable solutions for society through our niche scientific resources. For more information about the department please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/institutter-centre/igt-green-technology

University of Southern Denmark (SDU). As one of the five leading universities in Denmark, we have rich competence in research and engineering, state-of-the-art infrastructure and education programs to prepare new generations towards the needs of the surrounding society. SDU’s main campus is located in Odense, one hour by train to Copenhagen. Odense is an ideal international city for study and careers as well as a safe, family-friendly environment. 

Examples of research work from the team at University of Southern can be found at https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/mashu/publications/

For more information about working at SDU and living in Odense please visit 

https://www.workindenmark.dk/

Contact information
Further information is available from Prof. Shuang Ma Andersen, mashu@igt.sdu.dk. Phone: +45 6550 9186 and Head of section Knud Villy Christensen kvc@igt.sdu.dk. Phone: +45 65507478

Applications will be assessed by a hiring committee. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty.
 
Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by a hiring panel.
 
As part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications, the applicant may be called for one or more interviews.

Conditions of employment
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
 

Application
Your application including the required attachments must be uploaded through the link “Apply Online”. Please read guidelines for applicants.

Attached files must be in Adobe pdf format. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. In case you have more than one file per field you need to combine the pdf-files into a single file, as each field handles only one file. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb.

The application including the required attachments must be in English.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.