About the opportunity
The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position within the HeatMinds project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funded by Horizon Europe. The project focuses on developing Carnot Battery technologies, specifically high-temperature heat pumps integrated with thermal energy storage (e.g., molten salts and dual-media packed beds). The successful candidate will design architectures using natural working fluids, perform multi-objective optimization, and validate results through industrial secondments. This role offers the opportunity to work within a network of 6 universities and 12 industrial partners across Europe, aiming to deliver clean process heat and industrial flexibility for the electricity market.
Salary and benefits
- Fully funded 3-year PhD position
- Salary based on the Marie S. Curie compensation scheme (minimum base salary of DKK 30,264.08 plus PhD supplement)
- Pension contribution of 18.07%
- Opportunity to apply for family allowance
- Participation in international network training, summer schools, and outreach activities
- Industrial secondments and collaboration with European research and industry partners
Who can apply?
- Must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- MSCA mobility rule: Must not have resided or carried out main activities (work, studies) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date
- Solid background in engineering thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy technologies
- Familiarity with modelling and numerical simulations
- Programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, Modelica)
- Excellent written and spoken English
Required documents
- Cover letter (motivational letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with official grading scale description
- Copy of thesis or other publications (if available)
- Short critical literature review (max 3 pages) on high-temperature heat pumps and thermal energy storage
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-24 (23:59 Danish time)
- Anticipated start date: 2027-04-01
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in one single PDF file
- Visit the official job portal via the 'Apply now' link
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the combined PDF file
Additional information
- The position is subject to academic approval and enrollment in a DTU PhD program
- Candidates may apply before obtaining their master's degree but must have it before starting
- DTU conducts open-source background checks on qualified candidates due to research security and export control rules
- Supervision provided by Prof. Adriano Sciacovelli and Prof. Anders Christiansen Erlandsson
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a strong academic foundation in thermodynamics and practical experience in numerical modelling or simulation tools like Python or Matlab.
- Researchers interested in the intersection of industrial decarbonization, energy storage, and international collaborative networks.
- Applicants who thrive in goal-oriented, international environments and are eager to engage in industrial secondments and cross-border research.
What should you think carefully about?
- The MSCA mobility rule is strict; ensure you have not spent more than 12 months in Denmark during the last 3 years.
- The application requires a specific 3-page critical literature review, which demands significant preparation time before the November deadline.
- Relocation to Denmark is required for this position, though DTU provides support resources for international staff.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD position is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to specialize in sustainable energy technologies. By participating in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, you gain both academic rigor and direct industrial exposure, which is highly valuable for future careers in either academia or the green energy sector.
Our take
This is a highly attractive, fully funded opportunity for engineering graduates with a passion for thermal energy research. It is particularly well-suited for those who meet the specific MSCA mobility criteria and are ready to contribute to European industrial decarbonization efforts.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
