About the opportunity
We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development and optimisation of technologies for recovering valuable elements from high-salinity brines, with produced water from offshore oil and gas production as an initial focus. You will join an international research environment and collaborate with researchers across DTU and with industrial partners on projects combining experimental investigations, chemical analysis, thermodynamic modelling and process engineering. Your overall focus will be to advance the development of efficient and environmentally sustainable methods for recovering critical raw materials from complex aqueous streams. You will investigate chemical separation and precipitation processes, evaluate their performance through laboratory experiments and modelling, and contribute to the development of integrated workflows for process optimisation and technological scale-up.
Salary and benefits
- Appointment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff
- Full-time employment for a fixed period of 2 years
- Opportunity to work in a leading international research environment with world-class laboratory facilities
Who can apply?
- Must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, process engineering, chemistry or a related discipline
- Experience with laboratory investigations of aqueous chemical systems, preferably involving high-salinity brines, produced water, industrial wastewater or related process streams
- Knowledge of chemical separation processes, including precipitation, mineral formation, water treatment or resource recovery
- Experience with analytical and characterisation techniques such as ICP-OES, ion chromatography, XRD, SEM or comparable methods
- Experience with thermodynamic or chemical process modelling, preferably using tools such as PHREEQC or equivalent software
- Skills in data analysis, numerical modelling or programming, for example using Python
- Understanding of process engineering and the optimisation of laboratory or industrial treatment processes
- Interest in environmental assessment, resource efficiency and the development of sustainable technologies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
Required documents
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (BSc/MSc/PhD – in English) and grade transcripts
- List of publications
- Names and addresses of three references
When to apply
- Application deadline is 9 November 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Starting date is as soon as possible
How to apply
- Prepare all required application materials in English and merge them into one single PDF file
- Open the online application portal via the official Apply now link
- Fill out the online application form
- Attach the single PDF file containing all required documents before the deadline
Additional information
- Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Karen L. Feilberg at klfe@dtu.dk
- As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates
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…
- Strong fit for recent PhD graduates in chemical engineering, chemistry, or environmental engineering seeking a dedicated research focus on green transition and sustainable technology.
- Ideal for researchers with hands-on laboratory experience in aqueous chemical systems, high-salinity brines, or analytical characterization techniques.
- Suited for candidates interested in combining fundamental chemical processes with practical industrial applications and multidisciplinary teamwork.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as a fixed two-year contract, requiring careful planning for subsequent career steps.
- Relocation to Denmark is required as the role is based at DTU Offshore in Kgs. Lyngby.
- The application requires a comprehensive set of documents, including English academic diplomas and a publication list, all combined into a single PDF file.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-year postdoctoral position provides an excellent platform to advance an academic or specialized industrial research career in resource recovery, environmental engineering, and sustainable technology development while working at a leading European technical university.
Our take
This role is well-suited for early-career researchers with strong expertise in chemical separation and process modelling who want to contribute to offshore environmental solutions. Those without a relevant PhD or background in aqueous systems will find the position unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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