PhD in Sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational healthcare benefits

Career development

Job summary

Aalto University’s Sustainable Systems group seeks a PhD researcher to develop decision‑making models and optimization strategies for PtX value chains. You will design MILP/MINLP models, integrate with a comprehensive model library, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners at Otaniemi, Espoo.

The role focuses on decarbonizing industrial energy pathways, balancing cost, safety and resilience, with a roadmap starting Jan 2027 and a fixed 2‑year term

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Strong background in mathematical programming for energy or process systems.
• Proficiency with optimization/modeling environments such as GAMS, Python, Julia, or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Model Techno-Economic and Life Cycle‑driven MILP models to optimize PtX value chains.
• Engage with group members, collaborators and industry partners; present outcomes at conferences.
• Publish in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to software libraries for PtX tools.

Skills

MILP

MINLP

GAMS

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Education

Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Energy Systems Engineering

Job description

Application closes on Unit Job category 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 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. 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.

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 optimize full PtX value chains. Engage with internal group members, academic collaborators, and external industry stakeholders. Present research outcomes at international academic conferences and publish in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals. To support your research, you will have access to our group’s comprehensive model library covering PtX technologies, unit operations, training materials, and sustainability assessment frameworks. You will join the Sustainable Systems group, led by Prof. RoficeDickson. 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. RoficeDickson and work alongside a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and industrial partners.

Your Experience and Ambitions

• 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.

The starting date is January1,2027, or as mutually agreed. We offer a fixed term contract initially for 2years. During the first 6months you must apply and receive a right to study in the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering. After a successful evaluation by the end of the first 2year contract, the contract can be extended. Extension contract is typically based on the progress evaluation, revised project plan and available funding.

The starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is about 3140 €/month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. We value work‑life balance and well‑being in all aspects of life. We offer great possibilities for competence development and learning. We constantly keep learning to find the most impactful ways to empower – and invest in – our people.

Life on the revitalised campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well‑organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report. For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People, and Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/