Postdoc in Two-Phase Turbomachinery for Advanced Organic Rankine Cycle Systems - DTU Construct

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 650,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Construct at DTU – Technical University of Denmark is seeking an ambitious researcher to advance two‑phase turbomachinery and energy systems. You will combine advanced numerical modelling with experimental work and help design a new test facility for turbine validation within the EMPOWER consortium.

A PhD is required, and the role supports sustainable energy R&D in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Job description

Job Description

If you are an ambitious researcher with expertise in turbomachinery and energy systems and are looking to combine advanced numerical modelling with experimental research, this position offers a unique opportunity.

You will contribute to the design and validation of next‑generation two‑phase turbines and help develop a novel experimental test facility within the international EMPOWER project. At DTU Construct, you will work closely with leading academic and industrial partners and help shape an emerging technology for sustainable power generation.

Geothermal energy utilisation and industrial waste heat recovery are gaining recognition as valuable contributors to sustainable energy production. While geothermal and waste heat sources above 150 °C are commonly exploited, low‑temperature sources below 150 °C, which are more abundant and have even greater potential for power generation, remain largely untapped due to economic and technological constraints. The EMPOWER consortium aims to revolutionise low‑temperature energy conversion by developing a new generation of organic Rankine cycle technologies through a holistic approach.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

The research work includes the design, modelling and experimental validation of advanced two‑phase turbomachinery for partial‑evaporation organic Rankine cycle systems. You will combine advanced numerical modelling with experimental research, contributing to both the development of novel two‑phase turbine concepts and the design of a dedicated experimental test facility for their validation. There will be strong synergies with other ongoing projects at the department addressing two‑phase turbomachinery. If you have a passion for research and a background in mechanical engineering, including experience in turbomachinery modelling and experimentation, you may be the person we are looking for. The results of your research will contribute to expanding the utilisation of renewable energy and waste‑heat resources, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems.

• Develop advanced models, spanning from meanline methods to high‑fidelity three‑dimensional computational fluid dynamics tools for the analysis of two‑phase turbines.
• Evaluate non‑equilibrium modelling approaches for two‑phase flows in turbomachinery.
• Design a novel radial‑outflow turbine optimized for two‑phase flow.
• Lead the design and commissioning of a partial‑evaporation organic Rankine cycle test facility for turbine validation.
• Plan and execute experimental campaigns to characterise two‑phase turbine performance and generate validation data.
• Assess and improve numerical models through comparison with experimental measurements and data available in the open literature.
• Take part in teaching activities and contribute to the preparation of research project proposals.

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

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.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognised 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 characterised 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. Starting date 1 December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). 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 Professor Fredrik Haglind, tel. [phone].

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 .

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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.