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

University of Southern Denmark - SDU; Odense; Presencial; DKK 379.000 - 454.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

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 preferred start date is February 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will contribute to research on PtX technologies, renewable energy integration, and sector coupling, working with Aspen Plus and optimization methods at SDU LCE in Odense.

Formación

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering required.
• Strong interest in process modelling, thermodynamic analysis, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of renewable energy conversion technologies.

Responsabilidades

• Develop detailed process simulation models for large-scale PtX technologies.
• Perform thermodynamic analysis and mass/energy balances.
• Develop techno-economic models to estimate costs and levelized production costs.
• Apply optimization to investigate configurations, operating conditions, capacities, and economics.
• Evaluate impacts of electricity prices and feedstock on PtX design and operation.
• Identify energy efficiency and heat recovery improvements.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Complete 30 ECTS PhD courses and undertake a research stay abroad.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Prepare and defend the PhD thesis.

Conocimientos

Process modelling

Techno-economic analysis

Optimization

Python

MATLAB

Renewable energy integration

Educación

Master's degree in chemical engineering

Herramientas

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

Descripción del empleo

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 isNovember 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Job Description

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.

SDU Life Cycle Engineering

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.

Qualifications

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:

• 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.

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.

Responsibilities

The successful PhD candidate will be expected to:

• 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.

About the team

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.

Further information

For further information regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Hossein Nami at tel.: [phone], email: [e-mail].

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Assessment and selection process

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.

Enrollment and employment terms

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.

Persons