We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to join our team in the field of Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) technology. The successful candidate will focus on the modelling and optimisation of PRO systems using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of PRO systems for sustainable energy solutions.
PRO process is dealing with harvesting clean energy from the salinity gradient between different solutions. These processes are affected by the various factors of fluid dynamics, membrane module configurations, and material/structural characteristics. So, for a multi-disciplinary optimisation of a PRO system it is necessary to develop metamodels based on the high-fidelity data from CFD simulations, analytical modelling and semi-empirical correlations in an efficient ML framework.
This project is a collaboration between multiple partners, including Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, DTU and industry partners – Danfoss and SaltPower. This initiative bridges academic research with industrial implementation, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and practical impact. The researcher will be part of the Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. Our research in the center has focus on process systems engineering including membrane-based systems design and development. The project is highly interactive and you will work together with both industrial and academic experts in the field.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The focus of this position is on the modeling and optimisation of PRO membrane modules. Following are the main tasks the person will develop in the position; it is expected that you have previous experience on each of them:
Furthermore, the ideal candidate should have strong background in CFD and ML implementation in modelling and optimisation, hands-on experience from modelling membranes with CFD software tools such as ANSYS Fluent, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
You must contribute to the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in chemical or mechanical engineering with the focus on fluid dynamics and energy systems.
You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The expected starting date is 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full- time position.
The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process here.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Ulrich Krühne, ulkr@kt.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 June 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
At the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering it is our main objective to meet today’s industrial challenges and create value through education, innovation and research. DTU Chemical Engineering’s main activities lie within the areas of product design, process design and production in the chemical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food technological and energy technological industries.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
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