The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X (PtX) systems for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027.
The application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)
The PhD position is part of SDU Life Cycle Engineering's research activities on PtX technologies, renewable fuel production, sector coupling, and the transition toward climate-neutral energy systems.
PtX technologies are expected to play an important role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors by converting renewable electricity into synthetic fuels, and chemicals. However, their large-scale deployment requires efficient process design, effective integration with local energy system and biomass availability, and economically competitive operation under variable renewable electricity supply and changing market conditions.
The PhD project aims to develop and apply advanced process simulation and techno-economic optimization frameworks for large-scale PtX systems. A central focus will be on linking detailed process simulations with techno-economic models to evaluate alternative process configurations, identify opportunities for sector coupling, and optimize technology capacities and operating conditions. The project will also investigate how electricity prices, renewable electricity availability, hydrogen, biogas and CO2 supply, and process flexibility influence the economic performance of industrial-scale PtX facilities. The research will combine process simulation tools, particularly Aspen Plus, with computational modelling and optimization approaches.
The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing national and international research projects and collaborate with academic and industrial partners working on PtX technologies and sustainable energy systems.
The successful candidate will be affiliated with SDU Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE) at the University of Southern Denmark's main campus in Odense.
SDU LCE is a rapidly expanding research center with a strong international profile in net-zero transitions and sustainable energy systems. The center conducts research on integrated energy system design, renewable energy integration, PtX technologies, carbon management, sustainable biomass utilization, sector coupling, and CCUS integration.
SDU LCE is actively engaged in national and international research projects supported by the EU, national innovation programs, private companies, and other organizations.
Within SDU LCE, the research group focusing on renewable fuel production, process integration, techno-economic assessment, and energy system optimization is experiencing significant growth. The group combines detailed process modelling with system-level analysis to address the technological and economic challenges associated with industrial decarbonization.
For more information about SDU LCE, please visit www.sdu.dk/lifecycle.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a master’s degree in chemical engineering. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in process modelling, thermodynamic analysis, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of renewable energy conversion technologies. Experience in the following areas will be considered an advantage:
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an independent and curious research mindset, and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required.
The successful PhD candidate will be expected to:
The PhD fellow will work in the SDU Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE) center at the Department of Green Technology. The main supervisor will be Associate Professor Hossein Nami and co-supervision will be provided by Professor Henrik Wenzel.
For further information regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Hossein Nami at tel.: +45 52751924, email: hon@igt.sdu.dk.
If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.
Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.
Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:
All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.
SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).
The application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)
Applications will be assessed by an expert. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.
Read about the Assessment and selection process.
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.313 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.
Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.
Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
