Postdoc in Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainability in Buildings through Integrated Thermoelectric-façade Systems

Would you like to contribute to a new revolution in heating and cooling systems in buildings? Are you looking for an ideal springboard for a future career as a scientist in either academia or industry? 

The department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is looking for a postdoc for a 12-month position in the field of thermoelectric generator integration in building walls, which might just be the right project for you. Thermoelectric Generators (TEG) made of non-strategic materials can lead to a widespread, cost-effective deployment.

The project

This project explores converting temperature differences in buildings into electricity using flexible TEG generators, potentially generating 10-20 W per square meter. Our project addresses challenges in optimizing heat transfer, cost-effectiveness, and integration with façade panels. We aim to create scalable, sustainable building solutions. 

The project is integrated in an international project financed by the Innovation Fund Denmark. It is led by the Danish SME TEGnology ApS and also involves partners based in Switzerland. The overall goal is to integrate existing, flexible TEGs in façade panels, to test their potential for exploiting temperature gradients for producing electricity and predict their long-term performance under real operating conditions. The project also includes modeling of heat transfer and optimization of waste heat harvesting. 

Responsibilities and qualifications 

Your role will be to simulate the heat transfer processes between façade panels and thermoelectric generators, focusing on maximizing waste energy recovery efficiency. You are also expected to contribute to the characterization of the thermoelectric generators after field testing and to implement the results of accelerated fatigue tests in heat transfer models to predict the long-term behavior of the façade-TEG composites. 

At DTU Energy, you will have access to excellent facilities and competences for characterization and modelling.

Your tasks will primarily encompass:

• Simulation of heat transfer and optimization of façade-TEG configurations.
• Characterization of TEG generators after accelerated fatigue testing to estimate their long-term degradation.
• Implementation of the results of fatigue tests in heat transfer simulations to predict long-term performance and propose solutions for increasing the lifetime of the façade-TEG composites.

You must demonstrate proficiency in heat transfer simulations using COMSOL and have experience with materials testing. (Please shortly describe concrete examples of your own relevant previous work involving these topics). Experience with thermoelectric generators or building materials is an asset.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

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 terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 1 year.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Jean-Claude Grivel ).

You can read more about DTU Energy at 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 December :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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.