PhD stipend in dynamic modelling, simulation and optimization of Power-to-X processes

Job Description

Aalborg University, Department of Energy, Campus Esbjerg, invites applications for a three-year PhD Stipend from October 1st or soon hereafter in dynamic modelling, simulation and optimization of Power-to-X processes for renewable fuel production. The project is primarily rooted in process engineering while also addressing the interaction between Power-to-X plants and the electrical grid. You will contribute to interdisciplinary research spanning process engineering, power engineering and sustainable energy systems and help develop future large-scale Power-to-X solutions.

Your work tasks

In this PhD fellowship at AAU Energy, you will work with dynamic modeling, simulation and optimization of Power-to-X processes for renewable fuel production, such as green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel produced through Fischer-Tropsch and methanol-to-jet pathways. The project primarily focuses on the process-engineering aspects of renewable fuel production, with particular emphasis on the interactions among the electrical grid, electrolysers, fuel-synthesis processes, energy storage and heat integration in integrated Power-to-X systems.

You will develop and apply physics-based process models that describe the behavior of Power-to-X plants under varying operating conditions. This includes modelling electrolysers, fuel-synthesis units and supporting energy-system components and analyzing how these systems can operate efficiently and flexibly in response to fluctuations in renewable electricity generation, energy prices and wider energy-system conditions. The work will combine process simulation with operational optimization, techno-economic assessment and model validation.

The research will also examine the coordinated operation and control of Power-to-X processes, electrolysers and energy-storage systems in interaction with the electrical grid. You will contribute to research on grid-supporting operation and control strategies for integrated Power-to-X plants.

You will carry out your research in close collaboration with academic and industrialpartners in Denmark and across Europe. The position includes, among others, preparing scientific publications, presenting results at conferences and workshops, and participating in project meetings and activities. You will also make a limited contribution to teaching or supervision at Aalborg University, for example by supervising bachelor's and master's students working on relevant topics.

Your competencies

You have, or are about to obtain, a master's degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering, sustainable energy engineering or a closely related field. You bring a solid foundation in areas such as process modelling, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, process dynamics and control, optimization or energy-system analysis, and you are interested in applying these disciplines to Power-to-X and renewable fuel production.

You have experience with process-modelling tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS or other related software and are motivated to develop and apply dynamic models of energy and chemical processes. You are familiar with programming languages and computational tools. Expertise in a particular software package is not required, but experience with one or more computational environments, such as MATLAB, Python or similar tools, will support your work in the project. Knowledge of Power-to-X, electrolysis, renewable fuels, process integration or energy storage will be advantageous.

Knowledge of electrical power systems, electricity markets, grid integration or the control of grid-connected energy systems would strengthen your profile but is not a requirement for the position. The core academic profile sought is within process engineering or a related discipline. You should have an interest in and motivation to learn about the interaction between Power-to-X plants and the electrical grid, including how process-level operation and control affect plant flexibility and system-level performance.

You are able to work independently while contributing actively to an interdisciplinary and international research environment. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues and external partners and are comfortable discussing technical ideas across disciplinary boundaries. You have good analytical abilities, scientific curiosity, and the ability to document and communicate your work clearly in writing and presentations. You have strong written and spoken English skills suitable for scientific collaboration and publication. We value your motivation and potential to develop across disciplines, and you are not expected to have prior expertise in every aspect of the project from the outset.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are

You will join the Fluid & Process research group at AAU Energy, Campus Esbjerg, where you will become part of an international and interdisciplinary research environment combining process, chemical, energy, and electrical engineering. The group works with modeling, simulation, control, optimization, and experimental validation of fluid and energy systems, with applications including Power-to-X, carbon capture and utilization, green fuels, and sector coupling. The working culture is collaborative and informal, with close interaction among academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, PhD fellows, and students. We share an ambition to contribute to the green transition through research with practical relevance.

At Campus Esbjerg, you will work alongside academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD fellows across a range of energy-related disciplines. The campus setting supports close day-to-day collaboration across disciplines and research projects.

Collaboration with industry is an important part of the research environment, and many research and student projects are developed with external partners to address real-world engineering challenges. We aim to provide a supportive working environment with a healthy balance between professional commitments and life outside work.

The fellowship offers strong opportunities for professional and academic development. As part of the three-year PhD program, you will conduct independent research under supervision and complete PhD courses corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS. Courses may be taken at Aalborg University or other relevant institutions in Denmark and abroad. You will have opportunities to participate in specialized courses, summer schools, international conferences, and project workshops. The position will also provide experience in scientific publishing, research dissemination, teaching or student supervision, interdisciplinary project work, and collaboration with industrial partners.

AAU Energy offers access to modern experimental and computational facilities supporting research in sustainable energy systems. At Campus Esbjerg, these include facilities for thermal and fluid processes, electrical engineering, power electronics, renewable-energy control, offshore energy systems, and Power-to-X.

The research environment is being further strengthened through the C-TECH initiative, which is establishing a modular test site for carbon capture, electrolysis, and methanol synthesis at Campus Esbjerg. The facility is intended to support research, education, and industrial collaboration in Power-to-X and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This creates an attractive setting for a PhD project connecting process modeling with industrial validation and integrated sustainable-energy systems.

Campus Esbjerg is located in one of Denmark's major energy and offshore hubs, providing favorable conditions for collaboration with companies involved in renewable energy, Power-to-X, offshore technologies, and the wider energy transition. The relatively compact campus supports close professional relationships, close interaction with supervisors and colleagues, and collaboration across research and educational activities.

You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
• Project description (4-5 pages), that: describes the applicant's initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives.
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University's recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment

When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an additional 18,07% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the main salary. Read more about pension options here.

At Aalborg University's Doctoral School, engineering PhD students enjoy unique career development opportunities. These include personalized DISC profile assessments with feedback, career-focused courses, and networking events with trade unions, employers, and other relevant parties. Learn more about these initiatives at our Career Hub.

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.