PhD Position in Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Optimization of Large-Scale Power-to-X Systems

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking a PhD candidate for a 3-year position focused on the process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X (PtX) systems for renewable fuels and chemicals.

Role Overview
The project involves developing advanced simulation and optimization frameworks to evaluate process configurations, identify sector coupling opportunities, and optimize technology capacities. You will investigate how electricity prices, renewable energy availability, and feedstock supply influence the economic performance of industrial-scale PtX facilities using tools like Aspen Plus and computational modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process simulation models for PtX technologies and integrated production pathways.
• Perform thermodynamic analysis, mass and energy balances, and process integration assessments.
• Create techno-economic models to estimate investment, operating, and levelized production costs.
• Apply optimization approaches to investigate process configurations and economic performance.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Complete 30 ECTS of PhD courses and undertake a research stay abroad.
• Publish findings in scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Prepare and defend a PhD thesis.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering.
• Strong interest in process modeling, thermodynamic analysis, and techno-economic assessment.
• Experience in Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or similar software is an advantage.
• Experience in modeling PtX technologies, heat integration, and economic sensitivity analysis.
• Proficiency in programming and numerical optimization (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Employment Terms
The position is a 3-year salaried appointment. The monthly gross salary including pension is 37,313 DKK. Candidates with relevant postgraduate experience may be eligible for a higher salary step. Employment is contingent on enrollment in the PhD School.