PhD scholarship in quantification of natural hydrogen generation and resources in Greenland - DTU Energy

If you are motivated by finding sustainable energy solutions for society, especially for arctic communities that want to develop industry and welfare where infrastructure is limited, you could be the PhD student we need.

We aim to determine the potential for natural hydrogen generation in Greenland, which could be a sustainable alternative energy source for applications that are hard or impossible to electrify. In the Arctic, transport, heating and mining operations depend heavily on fossil fuels, and local hydrogen sources could be a sustainable alternative energy resource. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your tasks in this interdisciplinary project will include designing and executing state-of-the-art in situ experiments to track structural transformation and reaction rates under realistic conditions corresponding to the natural geological environment to establish a model for the potential hydrogen resource in terms of volume and generation rate.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Quantifying reaction rates and yield at elevated temperatures from mineral compositions identified in collaboration with geological experts in the project.
• Testing of samples from gas seeps and boreholes in South and West Greenland.
• Developing a model for the natural hydrogen resource and production rate potential of South-West Greenland

To accomplish these tasks, you will need strong competence in both experimental work and modelling. The former includes the capability for planning and performing experiments using a wide range of techniques including thermogravimetry, mass spectrometry, X-ray scattering, gas adsorption analysis, Mössbauer and X-ray spectroscopy. The latter includes skills in formulating and implementing kinetic and continuum models, e.g. geochemical and biogeochemical reaction modelling. You will collaborate with the University of Copenhagen and international partners.

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. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by the co-PIs of the project, Jens Wenzel Andreasen and Kristoffer Szilas, in collaboration with Head of Section, Luise Theil Kuhn.

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 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. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1 May 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
May be obtained from Professor Jens Wenzel Andreasen, 0045 21 32 63 01, Section for Structural Analysis and Modelling (SAM), Department of Energy Conversion and Storage.

You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.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 1 March 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 scale

You 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 Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy), we focus on research and development of functional materials, components and systems, as well as on their applications as sustainable energy technologies. Another focus point is education of engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD and lifelong learning students. We are about 300 dedicated employees.

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.