Postdoc in Conversion of Methanol to Jet Fuel – DTU Chemical Engineering

Postdoc for catalyst and process development for conversion of methanol to jet fuel in close collaboration with the company Topsoe.
We offer you a unique opportunity to join DTUs Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (DTU Chemical Engineering) in the development and study of a process for conversion of methanol to jet fuel. The overall process involves conversion of methanol to shorter olefins followed by oligomerisation of these olefins to jet fuel range hydrocarbons. The project will be conducted in a close collaboration with the company Topsoe.

You will be based at DTU Chemical Engineering, at the CHEC research group in a dynamic international research environment. The project is part of a large project consortium funded by Innovation Fund Denmark with the objective of paving the path for green fuels for transport and industry in Denmark, for more information see https://missiongreenfuels.dk/.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The aim of the post doc position is to participate in the development of a process for the catalytic conversion of methanol to lower olefins. The work will involve testing of various catalysts with respect to selectivity and stability, process optimization and kinetic modelling. The work will be done both at the Department of Chemical Engineering and at Topsoe using a fixed bed flow reactor setups.

More specifically the position will involve the following tasks:

• Literature study on methanol conversion to lower olefins, relevant catalysts, and kinetics of the reaction.
• Based on the literature study a suite of relevant catalysts should be identified and acquired, or synthesized if needed, for initial screening studies. The catalysts should be characterized by relevant methods to identify structure-activity relationships.
• Screening of the catalysts for their catalytic performance using a fixed bed flow reactor. The most promising candidates should undergo further detailed studies and optimization of reaction conditions.
• Development of a kinetic model for the reaction to predict the product composition. The model should include catalyst deactivation as a function of operating conditions and its influence on the product composition. The kinetic model will be implemented in a reactor simulation model, and an important part of this task will involve estimation of parameters in the kinetic model based on experimental data.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). The candidate preferably has a degree within chemical engineering or possibly chemistry/physics and deep knowledge/ experience in heterogeneous catalysis and mathematical modelling of chemical reactors and parameter estimation in kinetic models. The ideal candidate is self-going and highly ambitious with very good skills to collaborate with our technicians, PhD students and MSc/BSc/BEng students associated to the project as well as the project partners from Topsoe.

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 initially 2 years, and the starting date is as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Anker Degn Jensen: +45 2217 1723, e-mail [email protected].

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 22 May 2024 (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.

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. Read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.dtu.dk/english.

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.

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