One or more PhD Stipends in Direct Air Capture Technologies

The future of climate action extends beyond reducing emissions
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to rise despite global efforts to reduce emissions. Achieving climate neutrality will therefore require not only deep emission reductions but also large-scale carbon removal solutions. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is one of the few technologies capable of permanently removing CO2 directly from the atmosphere, but significant scientific and engineering challenges remain before DAC can be deployed at gigaton scale. Future DAC systems must be energy-efficient, economically viable, and designed around a fundamental understanding of how materials, processes, and system integration interact.

At Aalborg University, we are seeking ambitious PhD candidates who want to help develop the next generation of DAC technologies through advanced process modelling, experimental studies, and techno-economic evaluations.

The stipend is open for appointment from 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

In the future, removing CO2 from the atmosphere will become an essential part of climate action.
Atmospheric CO2 is already changing the climate. Reducing emissions is essential, but it may not be enough. We must also learn how to remove carbon already present in the atmosphere. Future Direct Air Capture systems will not simply capture CO2:

They will integrate with renewable energy systems. They will operate flexibly and balance the energy systems. They will become scalable climate infrastructure.

What this PhD is really about
The stipends are designed to contribute to two ambitious research initiatives that aim to accelerate the development of Direct Air Capture technologies:

Development of process-aware methodologies for evaluating emerging DAC liquid and solid sorbents and technologies. Development of predictive frameworks linking sorbent properties to process-level DAC performance.

Together, these efforts seek to establish the scientific foundations required to move DAC development from empirical trial-and-error toward predictive, data-driven design and scale-up.

The research environment and culture you will step into
You will join CarbonLab at Aalborg University, a growing research environment dedicated to carbon capture, carbon removal, and climate-positive technologies. We are a group of approximately 20 people currently represented by 7 different nationalities. Our research combines laboratory experiments, process modelling, experimental validation, techno-economic and LCA assessments, and system integration to accelerate the deployment of DAC solutions at scale.

At CarbonLab, we are building more than technologies; we are building a research community. Our researchers share ideas openly, collaborate across disciplines, and celebrate each other's successes. PhD students are treated as colleagues, encouraged to develop their own scientific identity, and supported in taking initiative from the very beginning. Whether presenting at international conferences, contributing to teaching, leading collaborations, or exploring new research directions, you will be part of a culture that combines scientific ambition with mutual trust and genuine support. We believe that excellent research and an excellent research environment go hand in hand.

Your research qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about addressing climate change through scientific research and technological innovation. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and is eager to contribute to the development of next-generation carbon removal technologies.

You should hold a master's degree (or be close to completion) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage:

Direct Air Capture, carbon capture, or carbon removal technologies Chemical process engineering and process intensification Mass transfer, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics Experimental design and laboratory testing Spectroscopy and related analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Measurement and interpretation of gas-liquid and gas-solid equilibrium data and breakthrough experiments. Process modelling and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools) Data analysis, optimization, and uncertainty assessment Techno-economic analysis and sustainability assessment Energy systems integration and renewable energy technologies

In addition, we value candidates who:

Demonstrate scientific curiosity and creativity Take initiative and ownership of their research Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively Communicate scientific results effectively in written and spoken English Thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment Are motivated to contribute to solutions with real-world climate impact

Previous research experience through master's projects, internships, conference contributions, or scientific publications is considered an advantage but is not a formal requirement.

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. 872 of 6 October 2026 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    
AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments to address real-world energy challenges. The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching, which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate. We offer access to advanced laboratories and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters. 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 (2-5 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
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

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