PhD scholarship in Atomistic Stabilization in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells - DTU Physics

Are you passionate about using atomistic simulations and machine learning to accelerate the green transition? Do you want to understand, atom by atom, why electrolysers degrade, and design materials that make them last longer? Do you have a background in computational chemistry, physics, materials science or chemical engineering?

Then this PhD opportunity at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) might be the perfect fit for you. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for the project ATOMIZE: Atomistic Stabilization in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, a collaboration between DTU Physics and Topsoe, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF).

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) are among the most efficient technologies for producing green hydrogen, but their long-term stability remains a key challenge for large-scale deployment. In this PhD project, you will use density functional theory and state-of-the-art machine-learning interatomic potentials to study SOEC electrode materials at the atomic scale and at length scales that were previously out of reach. The aim is to understand what governs electrode stability and how it can be improved. You will validate your simulations against advanced experimental characterization data.

In practice, you will be hired at DTU Physics and join the Computational Catalysis group led by Associate Professor Alexander Bagger. The group has a long-term goal to develop predictive models and schemes for new reactions and materials in close connection with experiments. The group is part of the Catalysis Theory Center (CatTheory), which provides a strong infrastructure and computational facilities, including the Niflheim supercomputer with GPU nodes at DTU Physics.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate must have an MSc in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or related areas, as well as a strong interest in atomistic modelling and machine learning for sustainable energy solutions. The candidate must display good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, be innovative and able to work both independently and in cross-disciplinary teams, as well as with international academic collaborators and industrial partners.

Successful candidates must document:

• Experience with atomistic simulations & density functional theory (e.g. GPAW, VASP, ASE)
• Python programming skills
• Preferably, experience with machine-learning interatomic potentials (e.g. MACE, NequIP, or similar)
• Preferably, knowledge of solid oxide cells, oxide materials, electrochemistry or catalysis
• Preferably, experience with high-performance computing and Linux environments

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
You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Atomistic modelling and DFT experience
• Python programming experience
• Machine learning experience
• Knowledge of materials science, electrochemistry or catalysis
• Communication skills

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.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is from 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Alexander Bagger (alexbag@dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Physics at https://physics.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 30 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, max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

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 – 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.