Postdoc in Image analysis of microfluidics related to oil droplet stability in water and optimisation of water treatment process chemistries DTU Offshore

Many industrial processes generate wastewater with small oil droplets stabilized by surfactants the same goes for accidental spills of fuels incl biofuels and various process oils (lubricants gear oils etc.) from machinery like wind we want to remove oil droplets we need them to merge (coalesce) as big drops are easy to remove. Surfactants can either promote or hinder this process. To facilitate the removal we can optimize the surface active chemistry such that the system is more prone to destabilize. When several chemistries are present this becomes very challenging and experimentally very difficult using macroscopic bulk investigations such as bottle tests. Therefore we have used microfluidics to speed up this step. We now want to move further with this by also understanding complex droplet flow patterns and the relations with the chemistry. One successful theory for optimization of surfactant impact and blends is the hydrophilic-lipophilic deviation balance. This enables us to optimize both single chemistries and mixtures. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic deviation theory relates thermodynamically to the partitioning of chemicals between phases and to the instability of emulsions and dispersions.

To reduce environmental impact a link should be established between hydrophilic-hydrophobic deviation (HLD) theory and microfluidic droplet flow patternsquantified using advanced AI image analysis to optimize the use of process chemistry as well as additives in fuels and lubricants. This also relates to how droplets propagate into nature and how they may carry chemicals far from where they were emitted.

The project will work closely with other projects working on discharge of oily matter into the marine environment.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Are you interested in improving the environmental impact of wastewater using combinations of

• microfluidics
• advanced image analysis
• complex surface chemistry
• and thermodynamics

Then this position will give you a lot of interesting challenges. At DTU Offshore we are in particular focused on the impact of energy production on the marine environment when oily liquid phase is or can be emitted from installations and how droplets evolved are propagated into the ocean Emissions can be from ships windfarms and oil platforms (active or decommissioned). Many of these oily products contain surface active chemistries that will determine the fate of the droplets (and the ecotoxicity as well). In microfluidic experiments we observe intriguing complex droplet flow patterns that is related to the stability of droplets towards coalescence and hence resistance towards easy removal or recovery. This is currently quasi-empirically related to the stabilizing effects of the presence of surface active compounds. The candidate is expected to perform innovative fundamental and applied research with microfluidic designs using advanced AI image analysis to develop a tool based on the HLD (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Deviation) theory that can quantify the role of the chemicals on droplet stability.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Implementing AI imaging to analyze high-speed droplet movies.
• Relating the results to the HLD principle and performing its parameter estimation.
• Performing experiments to investigate synthetic samples field samples and samples from other projects in the program.

This will require a well-established connection to other -supervising of MSc students working within the program and collaboration with other researchers and students are required. The project is cross-disciplinary involving researchers at DTU Offshore DTU ChemEng and DTU Compute. You will be based at DTU Offshore.

We are looking for a highly motivated PostDoc researcher with experiences and expertise in microfluidic experimentation including image analysis and surface and colloid chemistry at an advanced level.

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 from employment start to end 2027.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Simon Ivar Andersen DTU Offshore.

You can read more about DTU Offshore at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 November 2025 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
• List of publications

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 Offshore is Denmarks national R&D centre for offshore technologies developing research-based solutions for the energy transition. We address critical challenges across CO₂ storage water treatment energy production and storage abandonment island energy systems and impact on the marine environment. Through close collaboration with industry partners regulatory authorities and research institutions we deliver applied innovations that support responsible on- and offshore energy operations. Our multidisciplinary approach combines decades of experience in the North Sea with world-class laboratory facilities.

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 UNs 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 13500 students and 6000 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.