Master´s thesis worker

Optimization of SO2 depolarized electrolyser stack for renewable hydrogen production

At Aalto University, science and art meet technology and business. We build a sustainable future by achieving breakthroughs in our key areas and at their intersections. At the same time, we inspire future change-makers and create solutions to the world’s major challenges. Our university community consists of 14,000 students, 400 professors, and more than 5,000 employees representing over 120 nationalities. Our campus is located in Otaniemi, Espoo. Diversity is part of who we are, and we work continuously to ensure diversity and non-discrimination in our community. We therefore encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Aalto University School of Engineering promotes high-quality science and innovation in the fields of industrial engineering and the built environment. We educate a new generation of experts whose top-level technical competence is combined with a strong understanding of the role of sustainable development in the future of societies.

Our research areas include the sustainable built environment, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technology, and the design and implementation of technical systems. The strength of our school lies in close cooperation with stakeholders in both teaching and research. Each year, approximately 45 doctoral degrees and 350 Master of Science in Technology degrees are completed at the School of Engineering. The school employs more than 700 people, of whom 70 are professors. Learn more at eng.aalto.fi.

At Aalto University, curiosity moves across disciplines, roles and communities. We bring people together to ask new questions, challenge familiar thinking and turn ideas into impact.

Our work is rooted in responsibility, courage and collaboration, and in a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable future.

Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at Aalto University School of Engineering invites applications for a Master´s thesis worker in the research group of Energy Conversion and Systems for the topic of: Optimization of SO2 depolarized electrolyser stack for renewable hydrogen production.

Your role and impact

SO2 depolarized electrolyser (SDE) is a type of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser that converts electricity into hydrogen with a by-product of sulfuric acid. The advantage of this system is that its efficiency from electricity to hydrogen is higher than with conventional system. Thus, as it’s in early stages of research, material and system optimization needs to be enhanced for commercial applications.

In this project, you will work hands-on with the SDE cell/stack to produce renewable hydrogen by optimizing the existing experimental setup in the laboratory.

Your work will include:

·       Assembly and modification of existing SDE cell/stack

·       Testing different cell configurations, membranes and gas diffusion layers in the SDE system

·       Experimental validation of the most optimized configuration for 50 hours.

·       Perform material characterization and electrochemical studies for the SDE.

This is an exciting time to join us. You will have the opportunity to work hands-on in the laboratory and learn more about hydrogen technologies.

What you bring

To thrive in this role, you will need:

·       Expertise in energy conversion and storage technologies

·       Possibility to conduct experimental work

·       Understanding of electrolysis technologies

·       A can-do attitude

We also value:

·       Previous experience in conducting experimental work

·       Previous experience in material characterization and/or electrochemistry

Language requirements:

·       English: Working proficiency in English is required.

We know that meaningful work is built by people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you recognize yourself for the purpose of this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you would bring to our community.

What we offer

At Aalto, you can expect:

·       Work with purpose in a community where research, education, creativity and services support meaningful change.

·       A multidisciplinary environment where collaboration, curiosity and new thinking are part of everyday work.

·       Support for your professional growth through varied training and development opportunities shaped around your interests and aspirations.

·       Extensive occupational health care services in cooperation with Terveystalo.

·       Staff-priced UniSport services on campus and at other UniSport locations.

·       My Hour, a weekly well-being hour that allows you to use one working hour per week for your own well-being.

·       A workplace on Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, with excellent public transport connections and a wide range of services.

·       The possibility of partial remote work and flexible working hours.

The salary range for this position is 2622 €/month (full time position, max 6 month´s). Work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life are important to us at Aalto.

Primarily on-site role: The primary workplace is located on the Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland. This position involves working primarily on campus, with limited opportunities for remote work.

Explore our working environment here: Campus | Aalto University

Curious to make a difference?

To apply, please submit your CV and motivation letter through our recruitment site by clicking “Apply now”. The application deadline is 30th November 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time. All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file. Please note: If you are already working at Aalto, please apply through our internal system Workday. If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address.

The position is open primarily for students from Aalto University. The position is open primarily for students from Aalto University. The position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been found.

For more information about the position, please contact Pragya Narayana Prasad, +358 504729962, on 20/11/2026 between 9 am to 11 am or via email Pragya.narayanaprasad@aalto.fi. For questions related to the recruitment system, please contact hr-eng@aalto.fi We will review applications and invite suitable candidates to interview after the application period ends. The application period may also be extended if needed to find the most suitable candidate for the position.

Aalto University is committed to a transparent and fair recruitment process. You are welcome to request feedback during or after the recruitment process.

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