Postdoc in Electrolyte Solution Thermodynamics - DTU Chemical Engineering

Are you a skillful and ambitious PhD graduate interested in kicking off your academic career in a renowned research group leading in the field of thermodynamics with a strong scientific and industrial network? 

The Center for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE) within the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) welcomes aspiring scientists with polished skills to expand the field of molecular thermodynamics for aqueous electrolyte systems.

This post-doctoral project is part of the ERC Consolidator Grant “Revolutionizing molecular thermodynamics by water and electrolytes (REMOTE)”, which aims to unravel the intricate relationships between fluid structures, molecular interactions, and macroscopic properties, deepen the fundamental understanding of molecular thermodynamics, and realize the importance of different types of properties in selecting the most physically sound thermodynamic model for water and electrolytes.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Molecular thermodynamics plays a crucial role in the modelling, design, and optimization of various systems in product and process engineering. Despite significant progress made over the decades, existing thermodynamic models and theories still face significant challenges, particularly when dealing electrolyte solutions.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Understand molecular interactions (force balances) in electrolyte solutions, covering many different types of electrolytes (strong, week, large molecular ions, etc.)
• Analyze systematically the role of relative static permittivity within the context of electrolyte equations of state, including the integration of a theoretically sound molecular theory for relative static permittivity
• Develop a complete electrolyte equation of state that accounts for ion pairing in a consistent manner
• Apply the developed equation of state for different applications, including liquid-liquid equilibria, where a robust and sophisticated algorithm may need to be developed.

You should be highly qualified in:

• Thermodynamic theories and models for electrolyte solutions
• Mathematical modelling and computational algorithms
• Scientific dissemination

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

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. The starting date is 1 August 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang (xlia@kt.dtu.dk) and Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis (gk@kt.dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU 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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• 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. 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.

CERE is an independent, university based, research unit with more than 40 years of expertise in the field. The CERE co-workers are a mix of internationally renowned scientists and the sharpest young talents from different scientific communities around the group. The research center unites experience with unique talent and educates tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. 

At DTU Chemical Engineering it is our mission to develop and utilize knowledge, methods, technologies, and sustainable solutions within: Chemical and biochemical process engineering and production, Design of chemical and biochemical products and processes, Energy and environment.

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.