Postdoc in Experimental Groundwater and Porous Media Research - DTU Chemical Engineering

If you are an ambitious researcher looking to further your career in environmental science, groundwater systems, and pore-scale experimentation, we invite you to join us as a Postdoc at the Center for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). 

You will work in a state-of-the-art microfluidics and imaging environment, investigating the transport and adsorption of emerging contaminants under groundwater-relevant conditions.

Responsibilities
As a key member of our team, you will contribute to a Novo Nordisk Foundation–funded interdisciplinary research project addressing one of the most pressing challenges in water resources: the mobility and remediation of PFAS in groundwater. The project combines microfluidic “mini aquifers”, real-time visualization, and physically based modelling to uncover adsorption and breakthrough mechanisms. You will play a central role in generating experimental insights with direct relevance for sustainable groundwater protection and drinking water safety.

Main responsibilities include:

• Establishing and operating microfluidic and laboratory-scale experimental setups relevant to groundwater and environmental systems
• Developing and applying imaging and analytical methods for studying transport and adsorption processes at the pore scale
• Designing and conducting controlled laboratory experiments on the behavior of emerging contaminants in porous media
• Performing quantitative data analysis and interpretation of experimental results
• Working in close collaboration with modelling activities to support experiment–model integration
• Contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, and dissemination of research outcomes

Qualifications
We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip systems, or pore-scale flow visualization
• Strong experimental skills and interest in interfacial or adsorption phenomena
• Knowledge of multiphase flows in natural porous media
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis (e.g. ImageJ, Python, MATLAB)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment

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 19 months, with a preferrable starting date on 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Alexander Shapiro (ash@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 7 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.

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.