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

Syddansk Universitet; Odense; On-site; DKK 379,000 - 454,000; Full time

Job summary

The PhD position at Syddansk Universitet focuses on process simulation, techno-economic optimization, and integration of large-scale Power-to-X systems for renewable fuels and chemicals. The role emphasizes coupling detailed process models with economic analysis to guide capacity and operating decisions.

The successful candidate will work within the SDU Life Cycle Engineering center in Odense, collaborating with national and international partners, and contribute to high-impact research while

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemical engineering or equivalent.
• Strong interest in process modelling, thermodynamic analysis, TEA, and optimization of renewable energy conversion technologies.
• Experience with Aspen Plus/HYSYS and programming is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process simulation models for PtX technologies and integrated production pathways.
• Perform thermodynamic analyses and mass/energy balances.
• Develop techno-economic models to estimate investment and operating costs and levelized production costs.
• Apply optimization approaches to explore configurations, capacities and economics under varying electricity supply and prices.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners and complete required PhD courses.

Skills

Process simulation

Techno-economic assessment

Optimization

Python

MATLAB

Sector coupling

Education

Master's degree in chemical engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

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

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)

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 CO 2 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.

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].

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• 1-page application letter including a statement of motivation.
• List of publications and maximum 3 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation).
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.
• 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)

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.

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)."