PhD in Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Optimization of Large-Scale Power-to-X Systems

University of Southern Denmark; Odense; On-site; DKK 379,000 - 454,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at SDU invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X systems for renewable fuels and chemicals. The role involves linking Aspen Plus simulations with techno-economic models and collaborating with researchers in sustainable energy systems.

The ideal candidate has a master's degree in chemical engineering, strong analytical skills, and fluent English.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemical engineering or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, independent and curious mindset.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process simulation models for large-scale PtX technologies.
• Perform thermodynamic analyses and mass/energy balances.
• Develop techno-economic models for costs and levelized production costs.
• Apply optimization to configurations, capacities, and economics.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.

Skills

Process simulation

Optimization

Thermodynamic analysis

Mass and energy balances

Programming (Python)

Mathematical modelling

Education

Master's degree in chemical engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Preferred start date: February 1, 2027. Application deadline: 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.

Large-scale deployment of PtX technologies requires efficient process design, effective integration with the local energy system and biomass availability, and economically competitive operation under variable renewable electricity supply and changing market conditions.

Research Focus

The 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.

Research will combine process simulation tools, particularly Aspen Plus, with computational modelling and optimization approaches.

Successful candidate will contribute to ongoing national and international research projects, collaborating with academic and industrial partners working on PtX technologies and sustainable energy systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process simulation models of selected large-scale Power-to-X technologies and integrated production pathways.


• Perform thermodynamic analysis, mass and energy balances, and process integration assessments.


• Develop techno-economic models to estimate investment costs, operating costs, and levelized production costs of renewable fuels and chemicals.


• Apply optimization approaches to investigate process configurations, operating conditions, technology capacities, and economic performance.


• Evaluate the impacts of electricity prices, renewable energy availability, and feedstock supply on PtX system design and operation.


• Identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency, heat recovery, resource utilization, and process flexibility.


• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners involved in the research.


• Complete the required PhD courses (30 ECTS) and undertake a research stay abroad.


• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present results at international conferences.


• Prepare and successfully defend a PhD thesis based on the research conducted.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have a master's degree in chemical engineering. The 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.

Experience and Expertise

• Process simulation using Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or similar software.


• Modelling of Power-to-X technologies.


• Thermodynamic modelling, mass and energy balances, process design, and heat integration.


• Techno-economic assessment, including capital and operating cost estimation, levelized production costs, and economic sensitivity analysis.


• Programming and numerical optimization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.


• Understanding of renewable electricity integration, process flexibility, and sector coupling.

Salary and Benefits

• monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.313 DKK.


• 3-year salaried position.


• Applicants with relevant postgraduate experience may be placed on a higher salary step.


• Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a \"self-organizer\".


• 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.

Employment Conditions

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).

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

Location and Affiliation

Successful candidate will affiliate 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.

For more information about SDU LCE, visit www.sdu.dk/lifecycle.

Contact Information

Main supervisor: Associate Professor Hossein Nami - telephone: [phone], email: [e-mail].

Further information regarding the position may be contacted at the same email address. Technical problems may be reported to the email support.

Research Context

The PhD project aligns with SDU Life Cycle Engineering's research group focusing on renewable fuel production, process integration, techno-economic assessment, and energy system optimization. The group combines detailed process modelling with system-level analysis to address the technological and economic challenges associated with industrial decarbonization.