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The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division at Risø DTU is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to design and optimize a segmented thermoelectric generator for use in conversion of waste heat into electricity using functionally graded thermoelectric materials.

Thermoelectric power conversion is a promising clean technology for waste heat recovery in a broad variety of applications, e.g. transportation, building and industry. A thermoelectric device works by converting a certain temperature difference into an electric potential to generate power.

You will be part of a growing group working on oxide thermoelectric materials and be part of a collaboration with some of the leading national and international groups in the field. Your project will be supported by the Danish company ALPCON, working with system integration.
 
Project description
The overall objective of the project is to design and develop a low-cost and stable segmented thermoelectric generator, which will use functionally graded materials to increase the working temperature range and efficiency.

A scientific objective of this research is to elucidate the physical and chemical phenomena at the interfaces between similar or dissimilar thermoelectric materials in segments, and their influence on the thermal-to-electrical conversion efficiency under long-term operation.
 
Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering
• Experience with synthesis of inorganic materials
• Preferably prior knowledge in the area of thermoelectricity
• Experience with experimental methods for materials characterization
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Terms of employment
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The position is for 3 years.

Application
We must have your online application by 7 August 2011. Please apply online on www.dtu.dk/career and open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach the following documents;

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)   

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further information
Please contact Head of Program Nini Pryds (+45 4677 5752) or Researcher Ngo Van Nong (+45 5142 3023) for further information.
 
Additional information about Risø DTU and the Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division can be found on risoe.dtu.dk.