Postdoc in Development of Durable Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) - DTU Energy

Would you like to contribute to cutting-edge research on developing durable solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology? DTU Energy is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research activities focused on the development and long-term durability of SOEC cells, with particular emphasis on operation under technologically relevant conditions.

Electrolysis and green hydrogen play a central role in Power-to-X schemes to produce green fuels and facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy future. SOECs, which operate at high temperature (typically in the range of 600 to 850 °C), offer the highest efficiency among different electrolysis technologies. Nonetheless, SOEC technology is less mature and requires further improvements in both performance and durability to enable reliable long-term operation.

Due to the intermittency of renewable energy sources, SOEC technology must be capable of dynamic operation under varying electrical input, which is essential for effective system-level integration. In parallel, SOEC cells are inherently sensitive to impurities originating from feed gases, system components, or cell materials, which can interact with electrodes and interfaces and cause irreversible degradation. Understanding and mitigating the impact of dynamic operation and impurity-induced cell degradation is therefore critical for ensuring long-term durability and reliable operation under technologically relevant conditions.

At DTU Energy, we work to improve the durability and performance stability of SOEC cells and to gain deeper insight into degradation mechanisms under technologically relevant operating conditions. This includes experimental investigation of cell performance evolution and degradation phenomena, with particular emphasis on the effects of dynamic operation and impurity exposure. These studies address the influence of operating parameters during steady-state and dynamic operation and are carried out across relevant temperature ranges and conditions representative of real system use.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Investigating the durability and degradation of solid oxide electrolysis cells under technologically relevant operating conditions
• Studying the impact of dynamic operation and varying electrical input on SOEC cell performance and lifetime
• Designing and conducting electrochemical experiments to assess cell performance evolution and degradation behaviour
• Investigating impurity-induced degradation mechanisms related to feed gases, system components, or cell materials
• Analysing experimental data and correlating operating conditions with observed degradation phenomena
• Working in close collaboration with colleagues at DTU Energy and with industrial and international project partners
• Publishing research results in relevant peer-reviewed scientific journals

To succeed in this role, you should:

• Have a strong background in electrochemistry, materials science, or solid oxide cell technology
• Have hands-on experience with electrochemical testing of electrolysis or fuel cell devices
• Be highly motivated with a strong interest in SOEC durability, degradation, and long-term operation
• Possess excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

In addition, it is preferable that you:

• Have experience with degradation studies of solid oxide cells or related high-temperature electrochemical devices
• Have experience with materials or microstructural characterization techniques, e.g. SEM/EDX and XRD
• Have prior knowledge of impurity effects or gas-phase contamination in electrochemical energy conversion systems

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.

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. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Ming Chen (minc@dtu.dk) and you can read more about the department 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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 19 March 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:

• 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. 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.

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 300 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.