Postdoc in Mathematical Modelling of PtX Plants – DTU Compute

Do you want to contribute to the green transition by developing mathematical models of power-to-X (PtX) plants? Then apply for this 2-year PostDoc position in the section for Dynamical Systems (DynSys) at DTU Compute, where you will be involved in several PtX projects.

Future PtX plants must be operated dynamically in response to fluctuations in renewable energy production (e.g., wind and solar), and it is necessary to mitigate the risk that there will be a significant surplus or shortage of produced energy. Mathematical models that capture the inherent uncertainty in the operation of the plant (including energy production) are essential to achieving these goals, and you will use stochastic and statistical modelling concepts together with domain-knowledge to develop such models.

We offer a fast-paced work environment with lots of great colleagues from all over the world, and the section spans a wide array of interests and competences ranging all the way from more engineering-oriented research to more theoretical mathematics.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a profile with a strong background in mathematics or mathematical physics/statistics, chemistry/chemical engineering/electrical engineering who understands how to apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems by combining theory and engineering.

In addition to a high proficiency in mathematics, it is an advantage to have experience with:

• mathematical modelling of processes relevant to PtX (e.g., electrolysis or methanol synthesis),
• stochastic/statistical modelling (e.g., using stochastic differential equations),
• system identification (e.g., maximum likelihood estimation of parameters), and
• programming (Matlab/Python/Julia/C/C++ or similar).

Your responsibility will be to develop and validate mathematical grey-box (data-driven digital twin) models of individual subprocesses, their interconnections (streams), and PtX plants as a whole. As part of this effort, you will collaborate with other researchers at DTU and with industry collaborators developing PtX technology.

The position will also involve identification of the models (i.e., of the model structure and parameters), and, depending on how the projects develop and your specific background, model-based analysis (e.g., uncertainty quantification, process optimization, optimal control, and optimal experiment design). Furthermore, you will support the supervision of students (primarily BSc and MSc projects) and disseminate your research through journal publications, conference contributions, and presentations in seminars and courses.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 2 years. Starting date is as soon as possible or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further Information
If you have questions, please contact Head of Section, Prof. Henrik Madsen, on e-mail hmad@dtu.dk  or phone +45 2083 4304.

You can read more about DTU Compute here: www.compute.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 .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 March 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 now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

DTU Compute
DTU Compute is a unique and internationally recognized academic department with 385 employees and 11 research sections spanning the science disciplines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We conduct research, teaching and innovation of high international standard – producing new knowledge and technology-based solutions to societal challenges. We have a long-term involvement in applied and interdisciplinary research, big data and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), smart and secure societies, smart manufacturing, and life science. At DTU Compute we believe in a diverse workplace with a flexible work-life balance.

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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.