PhD scholarship in Electrolyte Solution Thermodynamics - DTU Chemical Engineering

We are seeking a motivated PhD student who is willing to be part of a world-leading research environment and contribute to the development of thermodynamic models and algorithms for electrolyte solutions. The appointment of this PhD position will be at the Center for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

CERE is Denmark’s leading research center on applied thermodynamics and computational methods for numerous industry sectors. With an excellent track record and international reputation, CERE uniquely combines strong competencies from several academic fields. Most of our many diverse research projects are conducted in collaboration with one or more members of the CERE Consortium. The project will also be associated with KT Consortium, an industry-academia collaboration where members are provided networking opportunities and state-of-the-art methods and tools for chemical and biochemical engineering with emphasis on Process Systems Engineering (PSE), applied thermodynamics, and property prediction. The member companies of CERE and KT Consortium are from all around the world.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Electrolyte systems play pivotal roles in diverse applications such as desalination, carbon capture and sequestration, sour water stripping, solution mining, ocean acidification, energy storage, metal mining/ pollution, and more. With the boost of the ERC Advanced Grant, we have made tremendous advancements in electrolyte thermodynamics. Among these new developments, the ion-ion association and solid formation properties from quantum chemical calculations are two recent ones. 

The purposes of this project may include but are not limited to (1) studying the role of ion-ion association on electrolyte equations of state for strong electrolytes; (2) developing a robust and versatile simultaneous phase and chemical equilibrium calculation framework; (3) evaluating modeling approaches for weak electrolytes; (4) applying the developed electrolyte equations of state for selected processes; (5) investigating machine learning methods for electrolyte thermodynamic calculations.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

You are high-performing and visionary and thrive on turning exciting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and have an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. You have a natural flair for driving things forward on your own, and you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork.

A strong background in chemical engineering thermodynamics, mathematical modeling, and programming experience is essential. 

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang, Dr. Nefeli Effrosyni Novak, and Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized 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 characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date: 1 June 2024 or as soon as possible after that.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang, [email protected]  and/or Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis, [email protected] .

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 March 2024 (Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact details of 1-2 academic and/or professional contacts who are prepared to provide a professional reference for the candidate

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research cover separation processes, bioprocesses, bioengineering, bioconversions, reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, heat transmission, fluid mechanics, and applied thermodynamics. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, especially a wide range of industrial companies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.