Postdoc in Pyrolysis and Biochar Research - DTU Chemical Engineering

Postdoc in Pyrolysis and Biochar Research - DTU Chemical Engineering Application deadline: 2026-09-20T21:59:00+00:00 If you have a strong experimental background in chemical engineering and want to develop your expertise within biomass pyrolysis and biochar research, this postdoc offers you the opportunity to work at the interface between fundamental research and industrial application. At the CHEC Research Centre, you will conduct experimental research using laboratory-scale pyrolysis equipment, work with a broad range of biomass and waste-derived feedstocks, and develop your scientific profile through independent research, publications, project responsibility and collaboration with industry. Responsibilities and qualifications Your overall focus will be experimental research on thermal conversion of biomass and waste-derived feedstocks and the chemical and physical characterization of the resulting biochar and other pyrolysis products. You will participate in ongoing collaborative research projects with academic and industrial partners and take responsibility for selected research tasks and work packages. You will conduct independent research under the supervision of Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte and Researcher Giulia Ravenni and contribute to the development of new research activities within the field. Your primary tasks will be to: Plan and conduct laboratory-scale pyrolysis experiments using agricultural residues, digestate fibres, sewage sludge and other biomass and waste-derived feedstocks Characterize feedstocks and pyrolysis products using chemical and physical analytical methods Investigate relationships between feedstock properties, process conditions and biochar quality and carbon stability Analyze experimental data and develop new experimental approaches Lead research tasks and selected work packages in collaborative research projects Supervise MSc students and contribute to the supervision of PhD students Publish and communicate research results in scientific journals, conferences, project reports and meetings with industrial partners You must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering or a related field and a strong background in experimental research. You should be able to plan and conduct research independently, analyze and interpret experimental data, communicate scientific results in English, and collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners. Hands-on experience with thermal conversion processes and physical and chemical characterization of pyrolysis products is a strong advantage. Experience with analytical methods relevant to biochar research, including ash analysis, TGA, BET/surface area analysis, SEM-EDX, carbon stability assessment, and analysis or interpretation of PAHs, PFAS and heavy metals, will also be considered an advantage. 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. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures . The period of employment is two years, from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028. 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 Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte, DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, wost@kt.dtu.dk , tel. +45 2089 5370 and Researcher Giulia Ravenni, DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, grav@kt.dtu.dk , tel. +45 9351 1592. You can read more about the Department of Chemical and Biochemical 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 20 September 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. The CHEC Research Centre at DTU Chemical Engineering conducts research in chemical and reaction engineering with a strong focus on thermochemical conversion technologies, including combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Our research combines fundamental experimental research with technology development and close collaboration with industrial partners. DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.