A postdoc position in developing sensor based solutions for monitoring of subsurface CO2 storage projects - DTU Offshore

Would you like to develop a monitoring sensing technology for carbon storage projects? 

We are looking for a colleague with a strong interest in developing sensor technologies for monitoring of subsurface CO2 storage. 

The Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Centre (DHRTC), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applicants for a postdoc position on developing sensor technologies for continuous  monitoring of CO2 storage integrity. You will join a growing cross-disciplinary research group working on CO2 storage with industrial partner involvement.

By joining our team you will be working in an international environment and cooperate with some of the largest industrial players, TotalEnergies and Ørsted, as well as academic researchers. The project is part of DOTC´s aspiration to be a key player in the energy transition, and we are looking for an ambitious colleague who shares this vision and has the right expertise.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Our CO2 projects aim at unlocking Denmark’s Carbon Capture and Storage potential in the North Sea by leveraging on existing oil and gas infrastructure. We aim at using depleted oil and gas fields and pipelines for permanent geologic storage of CO2, effectively providing a bridge from fossil fuel extraction to carbon neutrality. One of these projects is the so called Bifrost project.

The focus of your work as a postdoctoral researcher is on developing robust, reliable and cost-effective solutions for monitoring of significant irregularities, migration and/or leakage of CO2 in the Danish North Sea chalk and sandstone reservoirs . Currently various technology trajectories e.g. fiber optics and chemical sensing has been taken, and your job is to continue our present ongoing development.

We prefer that you have an expertise in developing optical sensing technologies with a focus on fiber optics, spectroscopy and /or electrochemistry for remote sensing. Experience with telemetric technologies would be a plus. Industrial experience is advantageous but not a requirement. You have a good understanding of relevant risks associated with deployment of sensing technologies in remote harsh environments such as off-shore or sea bed as well as integration with other surveillance tools of geological structures. Being open to multi-disciplinary research and team work is a must as you will work in close collaboration with the members of the Bifrost's team. A close collaboration with our project partners and delivering results are essential for the success of the project.

Your background would require several elements:

• PhD degree in chemistry, chemicals engineering, photonics, physics with a focus on sensing.
• Interest in applied research with a focus on delivering results to partners.
• Skills in developing laboratory set-ups and experimentation.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; 
• Good communication skills in English;
• Thorough, focused and hardworking person;

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 salary and appointment terms of the Postdoc position is based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is from August 1st 2023 to Dec. 31st 2024. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Simon Ivar Andersen, email: [email protected]  

Please do not send your application by email. 

You can read about the scientific basis for the centre’s activities here: 

www.oilgas.dtu.dk/english/Research  

Read more about the Bifrost Project here:

EUDP Funding for Innovative CCS Project - Centre for Oil and Gas - DTU

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

Application 
Please submit your online application no later than 23 June 2023 (Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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/PhD diploma
• Research statement and 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.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Offshore´s vision
DTU Offshore – Danish Offshore Technology Centre – is Denmark’s national R&D centre for offshore technologies and holds a central position in the energy transition. We develop research-based technology solutions for the offshore industry in the North Sea. Our research encompasses carbon storage, digital solutions for the offshore sector, produced water management, well and platform maintenance, recovery of remaining oil and gas resources, and efficient and responsible abandonment of depleted oil and gas fields. By managing  a portfolio of research projects , we can ensure that our solutions make a difference to industry. DTU Offshore is a partnership between five of Denmark's leading research institutions: Aalborg University, Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the Technical University of Denmark. We gather teams across the network and utilize the cutting-edge expertise of each partner institution. In addition, we are in constant dialogue with industry partners and researchers outside DTU Offshore. We see this network approach as the most optimal approach to pioneering research that makes a difference in the field.

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.