PhD positions in CO2 Storage Research

Centre for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE) at DTU Chemistry is seeking talented PhD students to contribute to our exciting CO2 storage research in the following projects:

CompReact: Compositional simulation of reactive transport in CO2 storage

In this project, we aim to advance CO2 storage simulation technology by combining state-of-the-art equilibrium calculation algorithms with compositional simulation. We intend to take advantage of the recent development in simultaneous chemical and phase equilibrium calculation to improve the speed and reliability of CO2 storage simulation significantly. The candidates will work on integrating the novel chemical and phase equilibrium calculation algorithm into an in-house compositional simulator to simulate CO2 storage in both saline aquifers and depleted petroleum reservoirs. This requires robust and efficient calculation of multiphase equilibrium in dynamic simulation. The developed simulator will be applied to analyze both near-wellbore and reservoir-scale problems. It will also be an objective to integrate the relevant simulation methods in the advanced CO2 storage simulation software GEOSX (www.geosx.org/) through a collaboration with the current developers of GEOSX. We expect that the project will provide a new paradigm for performing compositional simulations for various underground CO2 storage processes. The project is a part of the INNO-CCUS partnership (www.inno-ccus.dk).

CO2plus: Phase behavior of CO2+X in CO2 storage

Our second project focuses on understanding the phase behavior of CO2 with different impurities or fluids at storage sites. We aim to acquire systematic knowledge and develop modeling approaches to analyze the complex phase behavior during CO2 injection and storage. The project involves experimental measurement, phase behavior modeling, and integration of the developed models into simulation analysis of injection risks and storage issues. The project is under the Innovation Fund Denmark’s Grand Solutions program.

DemoBECCS: The potential and demonstration feasibility of BECCS

Our third project aims to tackle bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), a CCS technology to achieve negative carbon emissions. The storage research in this project will focus on the challenges posed by the impurities from biogenic CO2 sources and the storage of biogenic CO2 in depleted oil reservoirs.

The CERE group at DTU Chemistry possesses extensive expertise in both experimental measurement and modelling of high-pressure phase equilibrium and thermophysical properties. Furthermore, the group excels in development of efficient phase equilibrium calculation algorithms for compositional simulations. All the projects are supported by robust consortia of industrial and academic partners, ensuring that the high-level research remains relevant and applicable in real-world contexts.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The CompReact project has one PhD position. The student will work on the improvement of the calculation algorithms for multiphase reactions, the integration of the multiphase reaction module into a CO2 storage simulator, and simulation analysis using the developed simulator.

The CO2plus project involves one PhD student focusing mainly on experimental measurement, and another PhD focusing on modeling and simulation.

DemoBECCS has one PhD position. The student will work on modeling and simulation of CO2 storage in depleted oil reservoirs.

For applicants to the PhD positions, 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 in disciplines like chemical engineering, applied chemistry, or petroleum engineering.

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 

Overall, we are specifically seeking candidates who have, or are willing quickly to acquire the following skills:

• Phase equilibrium calculation algorithms and their integration into dynamic CO2 storage simulation
• Thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibrium and thermophysical properties related to CO2-rich mixtures.
• Measurement of phase equilibrium and thermophysical properties

All the candidates, especially those focusing on simulation and modeling, should possess strong programming skills. It is an advantage to be familiar with thermodynamics and dynamic simulation.

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.

We will start the positions as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Wei Yan, tel.: +45 4525 2379, email: weya@kemi.dtu.dk.

You can read more about Department of Chemistry on www.kemi.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 17 September 2023 (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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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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.