Doctoral Researcher, sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains

Aalto University; Espoo; Sur place; EUR 28 000 - 44 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Aalto University in Espoo invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in the Sustainable Systems group, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. The project focuses on the sustainability of Power-to-X value chains and on developing cutting-edge computational frameworks.

You will push energy-transition modeling with Techno-Economic and Life Cycle analyses, MILP/MINLP methods, and cross‑sector optimization, under Prof. Rofice Dickson alongside a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or closely related field.
• Solid experience applying mathematical programming (e.g., MILP, MINLP) to energy or process systems.
• Demonstrated skills in optimization or modeling environments (GAMS, Python, Julia, MATLAB).

Responsabilités

• Push the flexibility limits of energy transition pathways by modeling operational dynamics, storage, and variable feedstocks.
• Formulate Techno-Economic and Life Cycle‑driven MILP models to optimise cross‑sector PtX energy pathways.

Connaissances

Optimization background

Programming proficiency

Formation

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or closely related field

Outils

GAMS

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Description du poste

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community's diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Sustainable Systems research group in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University is seeking a highly motivated

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

to focus on the sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains. Are you passionate about advancing renewable energy technologies? Do you want to develop cutting‑edge computational frameworks that shape the future of sustainable energy? Join us in solving key challenges in decarbonizing hard‑to‑abate sectors.

Project Overview

This PhD project aims to develop decision‑making models and optimization strategies for the cross‑sector integration and operation of PtX technologies. You will work on ensuring these pathways operate within planetary boundaries while meeting stringent criteria for cost‑effectiveness, safety, and operational resilience.

Key Research Questions:

• How can the intermittent nature of renewable electricity production be economically decoupled from further chemical processing of eFuels and eChemicals?
• How can the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the PtX value chain be maximized under operational and market uncertainty?
• How can an efficient and intelligent computational framework be developed to optimally design and operate low‑carbon energy transition pathways for the industrial sectors in Finland and beyond?

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Push the flexibility limits of energy transition pathways by modeling operational dynamics, intermediate storage, and variable feedstocks.
• Formulate Techno‑Economic and Life Cycle‑driven Mixed‑Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models to optimise a….......

You will join the Sustainable Systems group , led by Prof. Rofice Dickson . Our group focuses on developing mathematical models, algorithms, and computer‑aided software tools to explore circular and sustainable solutions for energy systems.

You will be directly supervised by Prof. Rofice Dickson and work alongside a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and industrial partners.

The unique competitive edge of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering in the School of Chemical Engineering is based on sustainable utilization of raw materials, designing more efficient processes, and developing new materials and products. Our department's areas of expertise enable a sustainable future with high-performance products and processes in the circular economy and bioeconomy. The department is in a key position in research of chemical engineering, materials technology, metals processing, efficient energy technologies and digitalization of these. Our core competences include unit operations and processes in chemical engineering, hydro‑and pyro‑metallurgy, catalyst and polymeric materials, novel catalytic process, process control and process systems engineering.

Your Experience and Ambitions

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong research background in Process Systems Engineering of energy systems.

Required:

• Master's Degree: In Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Optimization background: Solid experience applying mathematical programming (e.g., MILP, MINLP) to energy or process systems.
• Programming proficiency: Demonstrated skills in optimization or modeling environments (e.g., GAMS, Python, Julia, or MATLAB).

Desirable (Considered an Advantage):

• Assessment Methodologies: Knowledge of TEA and LCA methodologies.
• Software tools: Familiarity with process simulation tools (Aspen Plus/Hysys, PRO/II) and LCA software (SimaPro, openLCA).
• Research focus: Strong interest in renewable energy pathways, cross‑sectoral integration, and decision‑making under uncertainty.

What we offer

The starting date is January 1, 2027, or as mutually agreed. We offer a fixed term contract initially for 2 years. During the first 6 months you must apply and receive a right to study i