Postdoctoral Position in Multiphysics Modelling of Bubble Transport and Electrochemical Processes in Alkaline Electrolysers

The Centre for Industrial Mechanics in Sønderborg, Denmark, part of the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering , University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 2-year postdoc position in Multiphysics Modelling of Bubble Transport and Electrochemical Processes in Alkaline Electrolysers. The position is open from October 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the specific start date will be agreed with the successful candidates.

About the Position

The position is funded through a collaborative research and innovation project involving SDU, DTU, and Stiesdal Hydrogen, and aims to reduce the CAPEX of green hydrogen production by developing a next-generation bipolar electrode cassette for alkaline electrolysers. One focus will be on geometry-driven bubble management.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join the SDU Energy Systems Group at the Centre for Industrial Mechanics (CIM) and play a key role in developing advanced simulation tools and validating simulations with experimental results. Your work will combine multiphase CFD modelling, current distribution modelling, and collaboration with experimentalists. The objective is to create predictive models that guide cassette design, identify optimal operating conditions, and reduce the need for extensive physical prototyping.

Working closely with researchers at SDU and DTU, as well as engineers at Stiesdal Hydrogen, you will contribute to the development of next-generation hydrogen production technology with clear industrial impact and support its path towards large-scale implementation.

Your Role

• Develop and apply simulation methods for multiphase transport and current distribution

in electrolyzers

• Investigate bubble-buoyancy-driven internal electrolyte circulation
• Quantify transport processes affecting mass transfer and electrochemical performance
• Integrate computational and experimental results to advance mechanistic understanding and predictive modelling
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners
• Mentor and supervise students (PhD, MSc, BSc) on related research questions
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences Contribute to research funding applications and assist with teaching activities as relevant

Your Profile

• PhD in engineering, computational science, physics or related discipline
• Background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Experience in multiphase flow and/or electrochemical transport modelling
• Experience with numerical simulation software such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or OpenFOAM
• Programming skills in Python, C++, or equivalent languages
• Strong teamwork, communication, and independent research skills Proficient in English (spoken and written)

Why Join SDU Sønderborg?

The SDU Energy Systems Group at CIM is a dynamic, recently established research group within the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). As part of a young and growing team and institute, you will help shaping research, education, and innovation in engineering science.

You will have access to state-of-the-art computing and lab facilities, and benefit from strong academic and industrial networks across Denmark and Europe. CIM is based at SDU’s scenic Sønderborg campus in the Alsion building directly at the waterfront. All study programs are taught in English, and more than half of our students and staff are international, creating an inspiring environment.

SDU maintains close ties to industry in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany, offering direct exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities for cross-sectoral research collaborations. This position offers you the chance to develop your own research ideas, contribute to the growth of the group and institute, and advance your career in a supportive, international setting.

In short, you will benefit from:

• Access to state-of-the-art computing and lab facilities
• A dynamic, international research environment in a scenic campus setting
• Close ties to industry and opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration Support for developing your own research ideas and career

Contact information

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Martin Lautenschläger

( mlaut@sdu.dk ; phone: + 45 65 50 79 86) or Associate Professor Lars Duggen ( duggen@sdu.dk ) and visit www.sdu.dk/en/ime .

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support .

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply .

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position.
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert or assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process .

Employment terms

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from October 2026. The start date may be adjusted to comply with processing times for any work- and residence permits. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

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.