Postdoc in Multi-Physic Modeling of High-Pressure Membrane for Renewable Energy Generation – DTU Chemical Engineering

Mass transport processes in membrane-based systems are of great scientific and practical importance in a wide range of applications such as green energy and water technologies. These processes are affected by various factors of fluid dynamics, membrane module configurations, and material/structural characteristics. Specially in high-pressure membranes, enhancing solute mass transfer needs a detailed understanding of the interactions of complex fluid flow processes, multi-species transport and structural deformations under high-pressure loadings. 

This postdoc project will develop multi-physic modelling approaches and innovative numerical methods to describe material transport processes through high-pressure membranes. The position is part of a research project funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark to develop the next generation of high-pressure systems, energy recovery components and osmotic membranes for the production of sustainable energy. You will have the opportunity to deepen your modelling understanding and develop your theoretical skills in the field of high-pressure membrane for osmotic energy production. 

The postdoc will be part of the PROSYS research center at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. Our research in the center has focus on process systems engineering including membrane-based systems design and development. The project is highly interactive and you will work together with both industrial and academic experts in the field.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The focus of this postdoc position is on development and implementation of fluid dynamic and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models for membranes used in pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). More specifically, the candidate is expected to:

• Design efficient numerical strategies to handle the nonlinear multi-physic problem of high-pressure PRO membrane flow 
• Develop CFD-based detailed models to describe mass transfer and flow phenomena in PRO
• Couple the fluid dynamic model with structural model to explore the fluid-structure interactions of the membrane module elements (porous layer, spacers, and supports etc)
• Optimize the membrane module configuration based on the multi-physic model findings
• To interact with the other partners of the project for experimental data analysis and design suggestions

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in chemical or mechanical engineering with the focus on fluid dynamic and FSI simulations. Furthermore, the ideal candidate should have hands-on experience from modelling membranes with help of CFD software tools such as Comsol or ANSYS Fluent (UDF programming).

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 from 1st September 2023 or after agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Ulrich Krühne, e-mail [email protected] . 

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering on https://www.kt.dtu.dk/english . 

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 10 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:

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

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

DTU Chemical Engineering’s main activities lie within the areas of product design, process design and production in the chemical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food technological and energy technological industries.

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.