PhD scholarship in Scaling up and Optimization of Pressure Retarded Osmosis Processes - DTU Chemical Engineering

Jobbeskrivelse

If you are an ambitious engineer who has already finished your MSc and who would like to develop your career on a solid basis of knowledge of unit operations for membrane separation and osmotic energy generation at industrial level, this position is the perfect one to fulfill your dreams and ambitions. Osmotic energy is a promising non intermittent renewable energy source driving the transition towards a sustainable future. If you would like to become an expert in this strategically important interdisciplinary field and contribute to the green transition, we have an opportunity for you: The department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark offers a PhD position in membrane process engineering, particularly in the field of Pressure Retarded Osmosis.

The project will address the question of how to optimize flow distribution, spacer geometry, and operational stability to enhance power output while minimizing fouling under hypersaline conditions. This position will be hosted at the Center for Process and Systems Engineering. The understanding of transport, fouling, and flow distribution phenomena under hypersaline conditions is recognized as essential for membrane unit operations.

By optimizing feed spacers and membrane housing geometries, it enables better flow control, reduced internal concentration polarization, and cost effectiveness while streamlining the overall process. This project aims to conduct an investigation into the scale up and optimization of Pressure Retarded Osmosis systems operating up to 70 bar using flat sheet plate and frame module concepts. The emphasis lies in optimizing feed flow distribution, spacer geometry, and membrane housing designs to reduce internal concentration polarization and fouling.

The work will combine experimental long duration testing with numerical modelling or computational fluid dynamics to evaluate multiple geometries and support data assisted module selection. Scale up will be achieved through module parallelization while evaluating durability under realistic operating conditions.Responsibilities and qualificationsYour overall focus will be to strengthen the department competences within the field of Pressure Retarded Osmosis, with special focus on the development and evaluation of optimized spacer geometries, feed flow distribution, fouling mitigation, and long duration testing of plate and frame modules. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with both academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad.

You must have an MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or similar and you should have worked with membrane technology. The candidate must have previous experience in: Educational background and experience in membrane separation processes Handling of membrane unit operations at laboratory or pilot scale Understanding of transport phenomena, fluid dynamics, or spacer design in membrane modules Interest or experience in process modelling, computational fluid dynamics, or data driven approaches Basic knowledge of fouling mechanisms and experimental testing under high salinity conditions 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.

AssessmentThe applications will be assessed based on the qualifications, academic and personal skills of the candidates. We offerDTU 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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structuresThe period of employment is 3 years.The expected starting date is 1st of December 2026.The position is a full-time position.You can read more about career paths at DTU here.Further information Further information may be obtained from Prof.

Manuel Pinelo (mp@kt.dtu.dk).You can read more about the Department of 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 17 September 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 scaleYou may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.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.

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.At the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering it is our main objective to meet today industrial challenges and create value through education, innovation and research. DTU Chemical Engineering main activities lie within the areas of product design, process design and production in the chemical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food technological and energy technological industries.DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development.

Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture.

DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.