Postdoc(s) in microwave pyrolysis and pyrolysis oil upgrading
Expected start date and duration of employment
This is a 2 year position from 1st February 2026 or as soon possible.
This is a fixed-term position to end on 31st January 2028.
Job description
The Wavefuels II project aims to validate a demonstration scale microwave pyrolysis unit, developed by the industrial partner Organic Fuel Technology (OFT). As part of Aarhus Universities role in the project we are to bring about process understanding, development of the oil upgrading and handling strategies and development of analytical protocol, traceable to ISO 7218 standard to enable quantification of process performance and to aid oils sales.
The first postdoc will work on a variety of oil upgrading strategies, including hydrotreatment, hydrothermal upgrading, esterification and oil washing. Vapour phase catalytic upgrading will also be investigated. The ability to synthesise catalysts is highly desirable to understand the role of specific metals in the process. Good laboratory skills are essential and the postdoc is expected to ensure the ongoing operation of the laboratory equipment by either arranging or undertaking appropriate maintenance.
A second postdoc is also sought in understanding the influence of microwaves on pyrolysis decomposition chemistry using a continuous feed pyrolysis reactor, cable of operating in conventional and microwave mode. The system is designed to obtain a detailed understanding of the process chemistry and the underlying mechanisms of microwave pyrolysis. The applicant should have a detailed knowledge of analytical chemistry and will be undertaking detailed quantification of the resulting products and propose models and mechanisms toward the underlying chemistry. The postdoc is expected to ensure the ongoing operation of the laboratory equipment and day to day running of the microwave pyrolysis laboratory
Your profile
The applicants should hold a PhD in applied chemistry, chemical engineering or similar. Both positions are highly laboratory based and experience developing hypotheses, designing experiments, undertaking experiments and developing analytical methods is essential. Previous experience in pyrolysis, pyrolysis oil upgrading and oil based analytical chemistry is highly desirable. Experience with techniques such as GCMS, NMR, PyGCMS, TGA, and GC TCD/FID are highly desired along with techniques such as BET, XRD, Karl Fisher, and TAN. The ability to design and construct reactors using Swagelok type fittings is also desirable although not essential (technical assistance is available). Experience conducting risk assessments and processes such as HAZOP are also considered desirable.
The project requires close collaboration with the industrial partners and the applicant is expected to manage his area of the laboratory and tasks within the project. Therefore, collaboration and management skills along with good communication, both written and verbal is essential. The position will involve at times collaboration with students so mentoring and supervision experience is desirable but not essential.
Who we are
The Institute of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) has strong research sections in Environmental Engineering and Materials & Process Engineering. Close collaboration with our neighbouring Departments (Biosciences, Food, Agroecology, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Molecular Biology & Genetics and iNano,) is a natural part of our culture.
The successful applicant will be working in the Carbon Engineering Group as part of the Process and Materials Engineering section. The group focuses on the development of thermochemical processes, notably pyrolysis, with a strong interest in solid carbon and biooil production. The group works with close collaboration with the Hydrothermal Processing Group.
What we offer
The department/centre offers:
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
- an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
- a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
- a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
- a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
Place of work and area of employment
The principal place of work is Hangøvej 2, Aarhus, 8200 and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. The position will also require attendance at the Deep Tech Experimental Hub, in Aarhus North and AU Viborg. Some offsite visits to GreenLab Skive maybe required.
Attendance at each workplace address is by agreement with your immediate supervisor. Pool cars are provided and therefore a driving license is desirable
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Associate Professor, Dr Aidan Mark Smith, +45 93521215, aidan.smith@bce.au.dk
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 26th November 2025.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/
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