PhD Position in Flexible Integration of Electrolyzers and Power-to-X Technologies into Smart Energy Systems

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in dynamic performance of electrolyzers and power-to-X technologies and their role in smart energy systems. This position is available from 1 January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is 30 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)
The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in dynamic performance of electrolyzers and power-to-X technologies and their role in smart energy systems. This position is available from 1 January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The application deadline is 30 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

About the project
Flexibility is key to tackling the variability of renewable energy sources and a flexible electricity demand-side process can potentially reduce fuel production cost. Besides, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of power-to-X technologies highly depend on the type of electrolysis technology and electrolyzer operating hours on the site. As demonstrated, flexibility in the electrolysis technology is crucial to integrate the massive fluctuating renewable capacities necessary to meet climate goals cost-effectively. This project compares the dynamic performance of different types of electrolyzers in a power-to-X system under the framework of high installed wind and solar power capacities that we will have in Denmark in the near future, and assuming the other varying background conditions, i.e. the hour-by-hour electricity price variations, seasonal variation of CO2 availability, seasonal and daily variation of district heating demand, 24-hour variations in electricity grid capacity at electrolyzer location and potential seasonal variations in heat supply from waste incineration at electrolyzer locations.

About the candidate (Qualifications)
We are seeking a candidate with a master's degree or its equivalent in Mechanical or Energy Engineering or a related field, who possesses a curious mindset and is highly motivated to pursue a PhD in the field of power-to-X. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a good understanding of energy system modeling, role of power-to-X in decarbonized energy systems, sector-coupling and holistic optimization of smart energy systems, where various sectors are interconnected. Fluency in both spoken and written English is imperative for this position. Responsibilities of the successful PhD candidate are as follows:

• Carry-out the research project while maintaining continuous interaction with supervisors and other team members.
• Complete PhD courses (30 ECTS).
• Write scientific articles aimed at high-impact journals in the field.
• Participate in an environmental exchange (research stay at an institution abroad).
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on your project.

About the team
The PhD fellow will work in the SDU Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) center at the Department of Green Technology. The main supervisor will be Professor Henrik Wenzel and co-supervision will be provided from Assistant Professor Hossein Nami.

SDU Life Cycle Engineering
The successful candidates will be affiliated with the SDU Life Cycle Engineering. The Department of Green Technology is located in Odense, the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. Further information about this position is available from Assistant Professor Hossein Nami [email protected].

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

Application procedure
Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

The application must be in English and include the following:

• Motivated application.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

The application may also include:

• References, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

Assessment and selection process
Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The application deadline is 30 June 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to a position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Placering: Odense, Denmark