PhD scholarship on Characterization and Modelling of Mass Transfer in a Pilot Scale U-Loop System DTU Chemical Engineering

A PhD position is available in the Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at DTU Chemical Engineering in the frame of the MORE-GAS project. MORE-GAS (Model-based heterogeneity assessment in Gas fermentation) is an NNF Challenge project that will run from 2026 to 2031.

The project aims at investigating the details of heterogeneity occurring in gas fermentation processes. The project is a collaboration between DTU Chemical Engineering BRIGHT (the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition) the University of Stuttgart and the company Unibio. Our ambition in the MORE-GAS project is to demonstrate close to 100% carbon efficiency in a novel two-stage reaction cascade converting methane first into single-cell protein then using the residual gases to produce alcohols and organic acid.

PROSYS is a research center dedicated to the creation of more sustainable future processes. Our philosophy is that experimentation and modelling should preferably complement each other in our research projects. By combining systematic model-based methods and tools (PSE) with experimental validation of novel production processes our objective is to address the necessary process technology and engineering required to develop and implement sustainable industrial production processes of the future.

You will be based at the Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at DTU Chemical Engineering and will work in close collaboration with the other MORE-GAS partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD candidate will study gas-liquid mass transfer in a 6 m³ U-loop reactor in the Pilot plant at DTU Chemical Engineering using particle image velocimetry measurements of turbulence and velocity fields and endoscopic quantification of bubble size distributions yielding fundamental understanding of gaseous mass transfer bubble size and flow patterns. The influence of changing operational variables (liquid gas flow rates) and effects of fundamental changes (e.g. gas inlet & static mixer design) are to be evaluated. Afterwards in collaboration with our postdocs mathematical models will be used to interpret the collected data with the aim of obtaining accurate model predictions of the phenomena observed at pilot scale.

You have an education in chemical and/or biochemical engineering combining a good process understanding with an interest in experimental work at pilot scale. Furthermore some experience with mathematical modelling and computational fluid dynamics is an advantage.

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

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

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. Expected start date is 1 September or after mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Ulrich Krühne () or Professor Krist V. Gernaey () both at the DTU Chemical Engineering.

You can read more about the DTU Chemical Engineering at .

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than4 June (23:59 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

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

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Chemical 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 (bio)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 and especially a wide range of industrial companies.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive stimulating and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.