Postdoc in Pyrolysis and Biochar Research - DTU Chemical Engineering

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU seeks a researcher to advance experimental investigations on the thermal conversion of biomass and waste-derived feedstocks, with emphasis on biochar characterization. You will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, supervise graduate students, and publish findings in peer‑reviewed venues.

The role requires a PhD in chemical engineering or related field and strong hands-on experience with pyrolysis and analytical techniques.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering or related field.
• Strong background in experimental research.
• Ability to plan and conduct independent research.
• Proficient in English for scientific communication.
• Experience with pyrolysis and thermo-chemical conversion preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct laboratory-scale pyrolysis experiments using biomass feedstocks.
• Characterize feedstocks and pyrolysis products using chemical and physical methods.
• Investigate relationships between feedstock properties, process conditions and biochar quality.
• Analyze experimental data and develop new experimental approaches.
• Lead research tasks and selected work packages in collaborative projects.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students.
• Publish and communicate results in journals, conferences and reports.

Skills

Experimental research

Lab planning

Project leadership

Student supervision

Scientific communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in chemical engineering

Tools

TGA

BET

SEM-EDX

PAHs analysis

Heavy metals analysis

Ash analysis

Job description

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be experimental research on thermal conversion of biomass and waste-derived feedstocks and the chemical and physical characterization of the resulting biochar and other pyrolysis products. You will participate in ongoing collaborative research projects with academic and industrial partners and take responsibility for selected research tasks and work packages. You will conduct independent research under the supervision of Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte and Researcher Giulia Ravenni and contribute to the development of new research activities within the field.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Plan and conduct laboratory-scale pyrolysis experiments using agricultural residues, digestate fibres, sewage sludge and other biomass and waste-derived feedstocks


• Characterize feedstocks and pyrolysis products using chemical and physical analytical methods


• Investigate relationships between feedstock properties, process conditions and biochar quality and carbon stability


• Analyze experimental data and develop new experimental approaches


• Lead research tasks and selected work packages in collaborative research projects


• Supervise MSc students and contribute to the supervision of PhD students


• Publish and communicate research results in scientific journals, conferences, project reports and meetings with industrial partners

You must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering or a related field and a strong background in experimental research. You should be able to plan and conduct research independently, analyze and interpret experimental data, communicate scientific results in English, and collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners.

Hands‑on experience with thermal conversion processes and physical and chemical characterization of pyrolysis products is a strong advantage. Experience with analytical methods relevant to biochar research, including ash analysis, TGA, BET/surface area analysis, SEM-EDX, carbon stability assessment, and analysis or interpretation of PAHs, PFAS and heavy metals, will also be considered an advantage.

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 two years, from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte, DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, [e-mail], tel. [phone] and Researcher Giulia Ravenni, DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, [e-mail], tel. [phone].

You can read more about the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at www.kt.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.

The CHEC Research Centre at DTU Chemical Engineering conducts research in chemical and reaction engineering with a strong focus on thermochemical conversion technologies, including combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Our research combines fundamental experimental research with technology development and close collaboration with industrial partners.

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.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark