Postdoc in Dynamic Modelling, Simulation and Optimization of Power-to-X Processes

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a 24-month postdoctoral position in Dynamic Modelling, Simulation and Optimization of Power-to-X Processes is available from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The project is primarily rooted in process engineering while also addressing interactions between Power-to-X plants and the electrical grid.

Your work tasks
You will develop and apply dynamic process models based on mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and equipment behaviour to simulate integrated Power-to-X plants under changing operating conditions. The work will address renewable fuel production, particularly green methanol and sustainable aviation fuels through methanol-based and Fischer–Tropsch pathways. The work will focus on electrolysers, fuel-synthesis processes, energy storage, heat integration, and interactions with the electrical grid.

You will combine process simulation with operational optimization, process control, techno-economic assessment, and model validation to investigate flexible operation under varying renewable electricity generation and energy prices.

You will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, publish scientific results, contribute to project meetings and deliverables, and present findings at conferences and workshops. The position may also include limited teaching and supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students.

Your competencies
You hold a PhD in chemical engineering, process engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the application deadline. You have documented research experience in process modelling and simulation, preferably including dynamic modelling of chemical or energy processes.

Hands-on experience with Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or Aspen Dynamics will be considered a strong advantage. Experience with gPROMS, Modelica, or comparable process-simulation tools is also relevant. Strong skills in MATLAB, Python, or a similar computational environment are expected.

Experience with Power-to-X, renewable fuels, optimization, process control, model validation, techno-economic assessment, or grid-integrated energy systems will strengthen your profile.

You will work closely with industrial and international partners. Therefore, the ability to translate research into practical solutions and communicate effectively across disciplines is essential. We value candidates who are proactive, structured, collaborative, and motivated to publish high-quality research and contribute actively to project activities.

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 modelling, 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. We offer laboratory and workshop facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Learn more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

How to apply  
Your application must include the following:

- Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
- Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
- List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. You must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement 
- Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
- Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
- Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
- References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

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.

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

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 appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

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.

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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

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 “Postdoc”.

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