Postdoctoral Position in Modelling and Optimization of Pyrolysis Plants with Integrated CO₂ Capture

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applications for a postdoctoral position on advanced modelling and optimization of pyrolysis plants integrated with CO₂ capture (CCUS), conducted in close collaboration with ECA Engineering ApS in Aalborg. The position is sponsored by the Just Transition Fund to support green-transition initiatives in Northern Jutland. The goal of the project is to develop a state-of-the-art digital tool for assessing and designing current and next‑generation pyrolysis plants and their interaction with CCUS and PtX systems. In addition, a tool capable for determining the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits as a function of feedstock, location, pyrolysis process and technology and will be validated by real-world data.

You will be employed at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, with primary workplace in Åbogade 40, at experimental facilities in Foulum and selected industrial pyrolysis plants with regular presence at ECA Engineering ApS in Aalborg.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The position is a full-time postdoctoral position expected to start on 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is fixed-term until 31 October 2028.

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the research and development activities of the project "Development of detailed models for the design and optimization of pyrolysis plants in interaction with CO₂ capture." You will drive the development of a comprehensive, modular simulation framework that links all major unit operations in the pyrolysis value chain with downstream CCUS and PtX technologies, implemented in ECA Engineering's existing software platform.

Tasks

• Develop detailed, first‑principles and semi‑empirical models for all core unit operations in biomass pyrolysis plants (e.g. dryer, reactor, filters, scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, tanks, gas dehumidification, engines) based on mass and energy balances and state‑of‑the‑art literature.
• Integrate these unit models into a coherent flowsheet within ECA Engineering's existing software platform, ensuring robust numerical performance and interoperability.
• Extend the framework to include CCUS and PtX components (compressors, coolers, JT flash for CO₂ conditioning, storage tanks, pipeline transport, electrolysis/hydrogen production modules) to enable full-chain simulations of pyrolysis-CCUS-PtX systems.
• Design and execute systematic simulation campaigns to study the impact of feedstock variability, operating conditions, hydrogen addition, and downstream integration on synthesis gas yield, CO₂ emissions, process efficiency and fouling/"coatings" behaviour.
• Collaborate with Aarhus University's experimental teams in Foulum and laboratory facilities to define experimental campaigns and use measured data for model calibration, validation and uncertainty analysis.
• Work closely with ECA Engineering and industrial partners operating full‑scale or pilot pyrolysis plants to obtain plant data, test model predictions, and translate modelling insights into concrete design and operating recommendations.
• Build and validate a CDR assessment model for pyrolysis plants of varying design and feedstocks, including software architecture and database, for eventual use as a new application.
• Lead the literature review on thermochemical conversion, biomass pyrolysis, coupled CCUS/PtX systems and relevant kinetic/transport models to underpin the successive model versions (V1-V3) envisioned in the project.
• Contribute to the implementation of a web‑based user interface that exposes the models to external users (engineers, operators, consultants, authorities) and supports scenario studies, sensitivity analysis and "worst‑case" decision support.
• Co‑author peer‑reviewed scientific articles documenting the modelling framework, its validation and application to real pyrolysis plants, in collaboration with ECA Engineering.
• Participate in regular project meetings (weekly coordination, technical work sessions) and represent the modelling activities in interactions with external stakeholders, including authorities and potential software users.

The position is research‑oriented but has a strong applied and industrial dimension, with the explicit goal of delivering a validated, commercially relevant software tool that can be used by designers, investors and regulators when planning and assessing future pyrolysis projects.

The successful candidates will become part of a collaborative and international environment within the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) at Aarhus University. The positions are mainly based at AU Viborg, home to BCE's mid-TRL experimental facilities, which support the development and testing of sustainable technologies on pilot scale. Depending on the position, the work will involve a combination of experimental research, process simulation, reactor operation, and system-level optimization.

Your profile

We are looking for an ambitious and technically strong candidate who is motivated by combining rigorous modelling with direct industrial impact in the green transition.

You have:

• A PhD in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, data science, computer science, energy engineering or a closely related field.
• Solid background in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and process modelling and computer programming with documented experience in developing and applying unit operation and flowsheet models for chemical or energy systems.
• Experience with one or more process simulation and/or modelling environments (e.g. Aspen Plus/HYSYS, gPROMS, Modelica, Python/Matlab‑based frameworks) and an interest in working with various software architectures (e.g. CAPE-OPEN) and object‑oriented software platforms.
• Knowledge of thermochemical conversion of biomass (e.g. pyrolysis, gasification) and/or CO₂ capture technologies; familiarity with CCUS and PtX system integration will be considered a distinct advantage.
• Strong programming and numerical skills (e.g. in Python, C#, C++, or similar) and a keen interest in writing clean, well‑documented and reusable scientific code.
• Experience in building Big Data databases (e.g. SQL), managing large datasets, and querying / structuring in logical way and parametric simulation engines.
• Familiarity of machine learning / AI techniques and custom LLMs generation is beneficial.
• Knowledge of life cycle assessment (LCA) and LCA methods, carbon accounting and Carbon Direct Removal (CDR) approaches and analysis methodologies is viewed favorably.
• Ability to work independently and proactively while contributing constructively to a cross‑disciplinary team spanning academia, software development and industrial plant operation.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, and an interest in engaging with external stakeholders, including plant operators, technology suppliers and authorities.
• Experience with validation against industrial data, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, or decision‑support tools for investors and regulators is an asset, as the project explicitly targets model‑based documentation to underpin future investments in large‑scale pyrolysis plants.