项目介绍

2026年5月21日

A PhD position is available in the Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at DTU Chemical Engineering in the frame of our ongoing industrial collaboration with Novonesis A/S. 

At PROSYS, we have dedicated our work towards the creation of more sustainable future processes. Our philosophy is that experimentation and modelling are both of prime importance and 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 PROSYS at DTU Chemical Engineering and will work in close collaboration with the Environmental Operations department at Novonesis, who run the largest (in terms of organic load) wastewater treatment plant in Northern Europe in Kalundborg.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Fermentation is a key technology that contributes significantly towards achieving more sustainable production systems. However, fermentation also produces wastewater, and this project has focus on improving the operation of an existing industrial wastewater treatment plant. The focus of this PhD project is on the use of mathematical modelling tools and digital twins to investigate scenarios for improved treatment plant operation. In addition to that, the PhD project includes a significant technology component, with the aim of introducing novel technology in the frame of improving full-scale operations.

You have an education in chemical and/or biochemical engineering or environmental engineering, combining a good process understanding with an interest in mathematical modelling and measurement technology. Note that the project will include a significant hands-on component, related to data collection at full-scale. As a consequence you should expect to spend significant time in Kalundborg at the treatment plant.

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 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. 

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. The employment is expected to start 1 September or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position. 

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from professor Krist V. Gernaey (kvg@kt.dtu.dk) at DTU Chemical Engineering.

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 3 June 2026 (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 master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.