At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from August 1st or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.
Your work tasks
As a PhD student in modelling and experiments on PEM water electrolysis, you will work at the intersection of chemical and electrochemical reactor engineering, with a particular emphasis on electrolysis. The project focuses on testing proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells, characterising their electrochemical performance and developing detailed electrochemical cell models.
You will design and carry out experiments on single cells, analyse electrochemical behaviour under different operating conditions and use the resulting data to build, calibrate and validate mechanistic models that describe transport, kinetics and degradation phenomena.
An important part of your work will be to investigate how PEM electrolysers perform when conventional materials are partially replaced by recycled ionomers and iridium. You will compare performance, stability and degradation patterns with and without recycled components and translate your findings into a deeper understanding of the underlying electrochemical mechanisms. In parallel, you will conduct techno-economic assessments of PEM electrolysis systems, including related life cycle assessment studies, to evaluate how material choices, operating strategies and system design affect costs and environmental impacts over the full life cycle.
The position is offered in relation to the research group "Hydrogen and Electro Fuels" and the PhD Student will be positioned to the section for “Thermal Engineering”.
Your competencies
The PhD project is carried out in the context of the CYCLOPEM, ROAD2X and CAPEX projects, which provide access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
You are expected to participate in project meetings and to present your results at international conferences and workshops. In addition, you will contribute to teaching activities within courses on chemical and electrochemical reactors and take part in the daily activities of the Hydrogen and Electro Fuels research group at AAU Energy, including group meetings, seminars and joint publications.
The applicant must have a relevant professional and/or educational background within thermal, chemical and electrochemical engineering. Modelling of chemical and electrochemical reactor and LCA.
Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.
Who we are
AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments to address real‑world energy challenges.
The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg
campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching, which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate.
We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters.
You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
- Project description (4-5 pages), that:
describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. - Other relevant documents
The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.
Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.
For professional questions, please contact Vincenzo Liso, vli@energy.aau.dk, +4521370207.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews are expected to be held during the month of June.
Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here.
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science
Salary and terms of employment
When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary
and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an
additional 18,07% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated
based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the
main salary.
Read more about pension options here.
At Aalborg University's Doctoral School, engineering PhD students enjoy unique career
development opportunities. These include personalized DISC profile assessments with feedback,
career-focused courses, and networking events with trade unions, employers, and other relevant
parties. Learn more about these initiatives at our Career Hub.
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)
There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.