Postdoc in Thermal Processes in Power to X Technologies

Aalborg Universitet; Aalborg Kommune; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University’s AAU Energy invites applications for a 24-month Postdoc position in thermal processes within Power to X technologies, starting 1 October 2026. Based at the Aalborg campus, you will join the Hydrogen and Electrofuels group to advance high-fidelity CFD models of coupled thermal, chemical and electrochemical phenomena.

You will conduct CFD studies, contribute to publications, and collaborate with European partners, with potential teaching duties and supervision of students as

Qualifications

• PhD required in Thermal Engineering or equivalent qualifications.
• Research profile closely linked to thermal modelling and CFD.
• Strong modelling and simulation skills with data processing ability.
• Experience publishing in international journals is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct CFD modelling research focusing on MetNH3Energy and ACE Water projects.
• Engage in independent and collaborative research with European partners.
• Design, execute and interpret studies; disseminate results in high-quality outlets.

Skills

CFD modelling

Modelling & simulation

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Thermal Engineering

Job description

Postdoc in Thermal Processes in Power to X Technologies

At AAU Energy, a position as Postdoc in thermal processes in power to X technologies is open for appointment from 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position is available for a period of 24 months and is based at Aalborg University’s campus in Aalborg.

You will be part of the research group Hydrogen and Electrofuels, which is placed in the section for E specialised in Thermal Engineering. The position is closely connected to our activities within developing high-fidelity models that capture the coupled thermal, chemical and electrochemical phenomena governing system performance, efficiency, and degradation under dynamic operating conditions and your work will contribute to the development of new knowledge within this field.

Your work tasks

In this position you will conduct research within CFD modelling, with a particular focus on the projects MetNH3Energy and ACE Water. You will be involved in both independent and collaborative research activities in Europe in close interaction with colleagues in the group and external partners in Denmark and Europe.

You will work with the design and execution of research studies, the analysis and interpretation of data, and the dissemination of results in high-quality scientific outlets. Your daily work will typically involve a combination of independent research and collaboration in project teams, where you help develop concepts, methods and solutions that are relevant for the energy sector.

In particular, you will be involved in the project MetNH3Energy, in the topic of Hydrogen storage and Transport using Ammonia and modelling in CFD on ammonia leakage and the project ACE Water, in the topic degradation in LTEL and HTEL stacks and developing lifetime models, life-time predictions and the validation of them.

You will be expected to contribute to scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and to present your work at conferences, workshops and meetings with partners. You will collaborate with researchers across the department and, where relevant, with industrial or public stakeholders. The position may include a limited amount of teaching and supervision of students at bachelor’s and master’s level, for example in the form of project supervision or involvement in courses related to your expertise. Depending on project needs, you may also take part in preparing applications for external research funding and in supporting the development of new research directions at the department.

You hold a PhD degree in Thermal Engineering or similar or can document equivalent scientific qualifications at PhD level. Your research profile is clearly connected to thermal Modelling, and you can demonstrate experience with CFD modelling.

You have solid skills in modelling and simulation using Tools and data processing and analysis and you are comfortable working systematically with complex technical problems. Experience with industrial collaborations and working with EU granted projects will be an advantage, as will a documented ability to publish in international journals.

You communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing, and you can present your work to both specialists and non-specialists. If you already speak Danish or would like to learn it, this will be an asset in everyday life at the university and in Danish society, and language courses are available locally.

You are motivated by working in an international academic environment, where you collaborate closely with colleagues, share knowledge and contribute actively to joint projects, while also managing your own tasks in a structured and responsible way. You are curious, open to feedback and able to move projects forward from idea to concrete results within agreed deadlines.

Who we are

AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments to address real-world energy challenges.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching, which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate.

We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday work.

New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters. Aalborg University offers general onboarding support to all new employees, as well as dedicated support for international staff through its International Staff Unit (ISU). You can read more about relocation support and services here: https://www.en.hr.aau.dk/relocation-support

Aalborg University also offers Danish language courses to support international employees in settling into both the workplace and Danish society. International employees typically can attend Danish language courses during their first years in Denmark (depending on individual eligibility and national schemes).

Qualification requirements

Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.