Postdoc in Advanced Heat Pump Technology and Integration - DTU Construct

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 480,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU - Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a Postdoc to develop, optimize, and integrate large-scale heat pumps for industrial and district heating. You will model and experimentally investigate systems using zeotropic mixtures, conduct techno-economic and integration studies, and collaborate within IEA projects.

The role includes supervising students and contributing to proposals. The appointment is 1 year and 4 months, starting 1 October 2026, in an international research

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with strong modelling and experimental skills.
• Experience with heat pump systems and zeotropic mixtures preferred.
• Ability to work in international collaborations and publish findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced numerical models of heat pumps operating with zeotropic refrigerant mixtures.
• Plan and conduct experimental campaigns on zeotropic mixture heat pump systems.
• Validate and refine models using laboratory-scale experiments and full-scale data.
• Develop optimized control strategies and system designs for large-scale heat pumps.
• Perform thermo-economic and integration studies for industrial energy systems.
• Publish findings in journals, conferences, and workshops.
• Contribute to new research proposals and collaborative initiatives.
• Participate in teaching activities and supervision of students at all levels.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Experimental campaigns

Zeotropic mixtures

Thermo-economics

Heat pump systems

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to contribute to our research activities on the development, optimization, and integration of large-scale heat pumps for industrial processes and district heating applications.

Large-scale heat pumps are considered a key technology for the electrification and decarbonization of heat supply, making them essential to the sustainable transition of industrial and energy systems. Their performance and economic viability can be significantly enhanced through advanced heat pump technologies, including the use of zeotropic mixtures. In addition, successful deployment requires effective integration into industrial facilities and district heating networks to maximize emissions reductions and economic benefits.

Through this work, you will contribute to the green transition of the energy and industrial sector and support the ambitious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As a Postdoc, you will conduct both numerical and experimental investigations of heat pump systems operating with zeotropic mixtures. You will also perform techno-economic and integration studies of large-scale heat pumps in industrial and district heating applications, helping to identify pathways for efficient and cost-effective implementation of this technology.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Your research will focus on the development of advanced numerical models for heat pumps operating with zeotropic mixtures. The modelling framework will encompass both detailed component-level models and full-system simulations. These models will be developed and validated using experimental data and applied to improve the energy performance and economic viability of next-generation heat pump systems.

In addition, you will contribute to our international research collaborations on industrial energy systems and high-temperature heat pumps through activities within the International Energy Agency (IEA). Working closely with academic and industrial partners, you will help develop innovative solutions for large-scale heat pumps systems while contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field.

• Develop advanced numerical models of heat pumps operating with zeotropic refrigerant mixtures and their key components using modern modelling and simulation tools.
• Plan and conduct experimental campaigns on zeotropic mixture heat pump systems in collaboration with external partners.
• Validate and refine the developed models using laboratory-scale experiments and full-scale demonstration data.
• Develop and assess optimized control strategies and system designs for large-scale heat pumps based on the modelling framework.
• Perform thermo-economic and integration studies to evaluate the role of heat pumps in industrial energy systems and district heating networks.
• Publish and disseminate research findings through scientific journals, conferences, workshops, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of new research proposals, projects, and collaborative initiatives.
• Participate in teaching activities and the supervision of students at all levels, including BSc and MSc thesis projects.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 1 year and 4 months starting on 1 October 2026, or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Jonas Kjær Jensen [e-mail].

You can read more about DTU Construct at: www.construct.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.

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.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.