Postdoc in drop-in biofuels production (2022-224-03926)

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a two-year position as Postdoc researcher is open for appointment from 1st May 2022 to 30th April 2024, or soon after.

Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. AAU educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community.

AAU Energy (former Department of Energy Technology) is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. The department has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. The department has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is in Aalborg. 

The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. The department has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 24 are administrative staff. In addition, the department constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world. Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent. 

AAU Energy offers this postdoc position in the framework of the project “LowCarbFuels.dk”, funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark, in which the department is one of the main partners.
The project concerns the production of sustainable advanced biofuels for airborne and marine applications through the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of biomass and subsequent upgrading of the resulting bio-crude.

The offered position will focus especially on the upgrading of HTL bio-crude by means of catalytic hydro-processing. Activities include the upgrading of different HTL biocrudes in batch and continuous lab-scale setups, the subsequent production of fractional cuts relevant to aviation and marine applications and the full characterization of the resulting products. The researcher will join the Advanced Biofuels research group.

The candidate must have demonstrated the ability to carry out high quality research within the topic of the offered position, by publishing in recognized peer-reviewed journals relevant to the field. Qualified applicants have a Ph.D. degree in a topic related to the production of liquid biofuels, chemical or environmental or energy engineering, technical chemistry or similar. A highly independent and proactive attitude will be appreciated.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a topic related to the production of liquid biofuels, chemical or environmental or energy engineering, technical chemistry or similar
• Documented competence in catalytic hydro-processing, preferably applied to the upgrading of bio-derived streams
• Experience in laboratory-based research, including testing in batch and/or continuous apparatuses and characterization of reactants and products.
• High motivation, ability to conduct independent research and formulate innovative hypotheses
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written

You may obtain further professional information from Assistant Professor Daniele Castello, Phone: (+45) 9940 8016, E-mail: [email protected].

Read more about AAU at www.aau.dk.

Read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk. 

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure, please contact Mathilde Vestergaard HR-Servicecentre EST by mail [email protected]

Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here  

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.   

2022-224-03926

10/02/2022