PhD Researcher: Sustainable PtX Value Chains & Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational healthcare benefits

Job summary

Aalto University’s Sustainable Systems group in Espoo invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher focused on the sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains. You will develop decision‑making models and MILP‑based optimization for cross‑sector integration, balancing cost, safety and resilience within planetary boundaries.

You will work under Prof. Rofice Dickson, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, publish at international conferences, and contribute to a comprehensive model library.

Qualifications

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

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 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.
• Access to group’s model library covering PtX technologies, unit operations, training materials, and sustainability assessment frameworks.

Skills

MILP

MINLP

Optimization

GAMS

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Education

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PRO/II

SimaPro

openLCA

Job description

Aalto University’s Sustainable Systems group in Espoo invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher focused on the sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains. You will develop decision‑making models and MILP‑based optimization for cross‑sector integration, balancing cost, safety and resilience within planetary boundaries.

You will work under Prof. Rofice Dickson, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, publish at international conferences, and contribute to a comprehensive model library.