One or more PhD Stipends in Direct Air Capture Technologies

The future of climate action extends beyond reducing emissions Atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to rise despite global

efforts to reduce emissions. Achieving climate neutrality will therefore require not only deep emission reductions but also

large-scale carbon removal solutions. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is one of the few technologies capable of permanently removing CO2

directly from the atmosphere, but significant scientific and engineering challenges remain before DAC can be deployed at gigaton

scale. Future DAC systems must be energy-efficient, economically viable, and designed around a fundamental understanding of how

materials, processes, and system integration interact. At Aalborg University, we are seeking ambitious PhD candidates who want to

help develop the next generation of DAC technologies through advanced process modelling, experimental studies, and techno-economic

evaluations. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three

years. In the future, removing CO2 from the atmosphere will become an essential part of climate action. Atmospheric CO2 is already

changing the climate. Reducing emissions is essential, but it may not be enough. We must also learn how to remove carbon already

present in the atmosphere. Future Direct Air Capture systems will not simply capture CO2: They will integrate with renewable

energy systems. They will operate flexibly and balance the energy systems. They will become scalable climate infrastructure. What

this PhD is really about The stipends are designed to contribute to two ambitious research initiatives that aim to accelerate the

development of Direct Air Capture technologies: Development of process-aware methodologies for evaluating emerging DAC liquid and

solid sorbents and technologies. Development of predictive frameworks linking sorbent properties to process-level DAC performance.

Together, these efforts seek to establish the scientific foundations required to move DAC development from empirical

trial-and-error toward predictive, data-driven design and scale-up. The research environment and culture you will step into You

will join CarbonLab at Aalborg University, a growing research environment dedicated to carbon capture, carbon removal, and

climate-positive technologies. We are a group of approximately 20 people currently represented by 7 different nationalities. Our

research combines laboratory experiments, process modelling, experimental validation, techno-economic and LCA assessments, and

system integration to accelerate the deployment of DAC solutions at scale. At CarbonLab, we are building more than technologies;

we are building a research community. Our researchers share ideas openly, collaborate across disciplines, and celebrate each

other's successes. PhD students are treated as colleagues, encouraged to develop their own scientific identity, and supported in

taking initiative from the very beginning. Whether presenting at international conferences, contributing to teaching, leading

collaborations, or exploring new research directions, you will be part of a culture that combines scientific ambition with mutual

trust and genuine support. We believe that excellent research and an excellent research environment go hand in hand. Your research

qualifications We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about addressing climate change through

scientific research and technological innovation. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, enjoys solving complex

engineering challenges, and is eager to contribute to the development of next-generation carbon removal technologies. You should

hold a master's degree (or be close to completion) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemistry,

Physics, or a related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage: Direct Air

Capture, carbon capture, or carbon removal technologies Chemical process engineering and process intensification Mass transfer,

reaction engineering, and thermodynamics Experimental design and laboratory testing Spectroscopy and related analytical techniques

such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Measurement and interpretation of gas-liquid and gas-solid equilibrium data and

breakthrough experiments. Process modelling and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools) Data analysis,

optimization, and uncertainty assessment Techno-economic analysis and sustainability assessment Energy systems integration and

renewable energy technologies In addition, we value candidates who: Demonstrate scientific curiosity and creativity Take

initiative and ownership of their research Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively Communicate scientific results

effectively in written and spoken English Thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment Are motivated to

contribute to solutions with real-world climate impact Previous research experience through master's projects, internships,

conference contributions, or scientific publications is considered an advantage but is not a formal requirement. Qualification

requirements PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3

years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral

School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 872 of 6 October 2026 on the PhD

Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the

progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things

required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination

and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution. Who

we are    AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy

systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial

partners and other academic environments to address real-world energy challenges. The department is located in both Aalborg and

Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages

and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many

opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching,

which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate. We offer access to advanced laboratories and workshop

facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both

Danish and international partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional

discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from

abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters. You can read more

about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk How to apply Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for

applying and qualifications in relation to the position - Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree

diploma, including grades) - Project description (2-5 pages), that describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related

to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule

and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. - Other relevant documents The application must be

submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's

website. Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone,

regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. Do you have any questions?     If you

have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the

jobpost. Further information  Read more about our recruitment process here. The assessment of candidates for the position will be

carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the

department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be

informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not. The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk

assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the

workplace. Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science Salary and terms of employment The employment is in

accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job

Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the

collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). You

can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific

positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”. There is a mutual

probationary period of 3 months for the position.