PhD positions on the bio-geo-chemistry of Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS), Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and the environmental impacts – DTU Offshore

The Danish Offshore Technology Centre (DOTC), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applicants for three research positions on interdisciplinary investigations in the fields of Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS), Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and environmental impacts. By joining our team, you will be working in an international environment with some of the largest industrial players (e.g., TotalEnergies and Nordsøfonden) as well as renowned scientists from various research institutes across the world. These projects are part of DOTC’s aspiration to be a key player in the energy transition, and we are looking for ambitious colleagues who share this vision.

The main possible areas of research include experimental and numerical modelling studies within:

• Microbial growth in hydrogen storage salt caverns and the interplay with transport processes (diffusion and convection)
• The bio-geo-chemistry of leakage from CO₂ storage reservoirs and the potential impacts on the ecology of the seabed sediments considering the full chemical composition of leaking fluids
• CO₂ leakage assessment through reservoir scale non-isothermal reactive flow modelling and simulations

Responsibilities and qualifications
The nature of these projects suggests that you should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research, including coupled physical, chemical, and biological processes. This requires frequent communication with experts with different backgrounds and the ability to manage various tasks, including quick learning about new topics.

Required qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Microbiology, Biochemistry, Geosciences, Earth/Environmental Sciences, or other relevant areas
• The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as an independent researcher
• Good writing and communication skills in English (the ability to Communicate in Danish is a plus)

Extra qualifications (a minimum of two of the following is required):

• Having experience with both experimental and numerical research
• A good knowledge of (bio)geochemistry or geomicrobiology
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of reactive flow and transport in porous media
• Practical experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, or Matlab) and simulation software (e.g., SLB software, COMSOL, OpenFOAM, or similar)
• Laboratory experience, especially with microbial cultures or other living organisms                 

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.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 two representatives from DTU Offshore.

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 with an expected starting date of 1^st of July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Hamid Nick, email: hamid@dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Offshore at www.offshore.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 11 June 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Names and addresses of three references
• Please do not include additional documents such as published articles/reports, and copy of course certificates in your application, a list of your publications/certificates in your CV is sufficient.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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, 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 – Danish Offshore Technology Centre is a research centre with a central position in the energy transition. We develop research-based technology solutions for the offshore industry in the Danish North Sea. The center has a strong collaboration with industry and has strong focus on delivering applicable research-based solutions. DTU Offshore has a long history of cross-disciplinary collaboration with other universities and research institutions.

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.