PhD scholarship in Water Thermodynamics using the Two-State Theory - DTU Chemical Engineering

We seek a talented and motivated PhD student who is willing to be part of a world-leading research environment and contribute to the development of novel thermodynamic models for water and aqueous solutions. The PhD position is planned to start from June 1, 2025 or as soon as possible after that, and the duration of the position is three years. The appointment will be at the Center for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). 

CERE is a leading research center in the areas of applied thermodynamics and energy as well as Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). 

With an excellent track record and international reputation, CERE uniquely combines strong competencies from several academic fields. Several of our many diverse research projects are conducted in collaboration or are of direct interest to with one or more members of the CERE Consortium – a group of about 20 leading companies in the field.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Water is an important but anomalous liquid, having more than 50 “anomalous properties” where no other liquids behave this way. Understanding the origin of these anomalous properties is crucial in all respects, also for engineering- The origin of the anomalous behavior may lie on water’s structure and hydrogen bonding and the dominant view is that water is largely a homogeneous, tetrahedral liquid. Modern thermodynamic theories, which account explictly for hydrogen bonding, cannot predict any of these anomalous properties and they predict much more hydrogen bonding than spectroscopy suggests. Efforts to improve the theories by including diverse phenomena such as polarity and co-operativity of hydrogen bonds have not been successful for the anomalous properties of water. The objective of this project is, by building on the recent two-state (TS) theory and our recent discoveries, to investigate whether the implementation of the TS theory can result in advanced thermodynamic models which can represent a wide range of anomalous properties of pure water and aqueous mixtures, including electrolyte solutions.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

A strong background in thermodynamics, mathematical modelling, and programming experience is essential.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis, Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang and Tenure Track Researcher Nefeli Novak.

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 appointment terms 
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 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis, [email protected] , Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang, [email protected]  and/or Tenure Track Researcher Nefeli Novak, [email protected] . 

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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 2 March 2025 (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

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. The education and training of MSc and doctoral students are some of the most important aspects of CERE’s activities.

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.