Postdoc position in hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass and wastes

Aarhus University; Aarhus kommune; Presencial; DKK 420.000 - 520.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Research infrastructure

Interdisciplinary environment

Two campuses (Aarhus, Foulum)

Work-life balance

Descripción de la vacante

Aarhus University seeks two Postdoc researchers to advance hydrothermal liquefaction research. The role spans pilot-scale HTL campaigns, WO integration, data analysis, and supervision of MSc, BSc and PhD students across Aarhus and Foulum campuses.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar, with experience in HTL, biomass processing and publication track records. Collaboration with industry partners is emphasized in a dynamic team environment.

Formación

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (or about to complete).
• Experience in hydrothermal liquefaction and related technologies.
• Experience operating continuous reactors for biomass processing is desirable.
• Strong publication record and ability to perform interdisciplinary research.

Responsabilidades

• Plan and execute pilot scale HTL campaigns.
• Carry out wet-oxidation experiments in pilot scale.
• Support full scale HTL campaigns with sampling, data analysis and product analysis.
• Develop HTL product separation solutions at pilot scale.
• Troubleshoot and upgrade existing HTL-WO pilot plant.
• Chemical analysis of HTL products and data processing for publications.
• Collaborate with project partners and prepare reports.
• Supervise and train MSc, BSc and PhD students.

Conocimientos

Project planning

Interdisciplinary research

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Educación

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Hydrothermal liquefaction experience

Lab/pilot scale operation

Publications track record

Herramientas

NMR

GC-MS

Elemental analysis

Descripción del empleo

Postdoc position in hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass and wastes

Postdoc position in hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass and wastes

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applications for a two separate fixed term positions offering applicants an exciting opportunity to join a new research project on Hydrothermal Liquefaction. One position is for 2 years and one for 1.5 years.

Expected start date and duration of employment

These are positions from 1 January 2027. There are two positions available, one position is for 2 years and one for 1.5 years.

The main responsibilities of the candidate will lie in:

• planning and execution of pilot scale HTL campaigns
• carrying out wet-oxidation experiments in pilot scale
• supporting full scale HTL experimental campaigns with sampling, data analysis, process evaluation and product analysis
• developing new solutions and technologies for HTL product separation at pilot scale
• Troubleshooting, modification, maintenance and carrying out improvements and upgrades on existing HTL-WO pilot plant
• chemical analysis of HTL products, data processing and analysis from experimental campaigns to produce scientific publications and reports
• active participation in the project with all it’s partners, attend meetings, compile collaborative reports etc.
• active participation in the supervision and training of MSc, BSc and PhD students

The work will expand on the on-going research using a state of the art, continuous, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactors at the Foulum Campus of Aarhus University. The HTL plant is integrated with Wet Oxidation (WO) plant is currently one of the largest worldwide in academic settings and allows testing of unique and novel ideas at a relevant scale for industry. The work will be carried out as part of a team working in hydrothermal processing and related technologies.

Your profile

Prior experience in operation, design and maintenance of chemical engineering processes at lab or pilot scale is desired. The candidate is required to have a PhD in chemical engineering, process engineering or similar (or about to complete the degree). A strong academic background in applied research and publication record are expected. The candidates must demonstrate ability to conduct basic and applied interdisciplinary research, and experience with technology transfer from university to industry is beneficial.

Experience in analysis of biomass, biofuels and bioproducts using equipment such as elemental analysis, NMR, GC-MS and similar are essential skills for the candidate.

The ideal candidate has all or several of the following qualifications and specific competences:

• A PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or similar (or about to)
• Prior experience in hydrothermal liquefaction, wet oxidation, pyrolysis, hydrotreating or similar
• Prior experience in operating continuous reactors for biomass processing
• A solid background in thermochemical processing of biomass, biorefining, biofuels or related areas.
• The ability to work independently and to generate new ideas and creative approaches.
• The ability to write high impact, peer reviewed academic publications.
• Is passionate about science and engineering and working in a team dedicated to the green transition.

Who we are

At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering we focus on living systems, the biology of organisms, efficient production, and transformation of chemicals, materials and energy. We translate knowledge within biotechnology, food technology, environmental technology, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology and electrochemical engineering etc. more into new technologies and value-creating solutions that can also be used in the business community.

Many of our research and development activities are based on companies' specific innovation needs or specialist application areas. Close collaboration with the public sector and private businesses ensures that the knowledge and technology generated in the department's research environments has a clear anchoring in reality and benefits the surrounding society. We also provide research-based public sector consultancy and advice on technology in agriculture and food.

At the department, we educate BEng, BSc and MSc graduates in engineering for Danish society.

Read more about the department and sections here:
https://bce.au.dk/en/research/key-areas-in-research-and-development

What we offer

The department/centre offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The position includes two permanent workplace addresses in Foulum and Aarhus respectively. The attendance at each workplace address is by agreement with your immediate supervisor. At the time of employment, the distribution between the workplace addresses is expected equally distributed with place of employment in Aarhus and Foulum. In Aarhus the place of work is Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hangøvej 2, 8200 Aarhus. In Foulum the place of work is Burrehøjvej 43, 8830 Foulum . The area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor, Patrick Biller, [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 25 October 2026.