The Center for Energy Resources Engineering (CERE) within the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) welcomes aspiring candidates with polished skills to expand the field of molecular thermodynamics for water and electrolyte systems.

These PhD projects are part of the ERC Consolidator Grant “Revolutionizing molecular thermodynamics by water and electrolytes (REMOTE)”, which aims to unravel the intricate relationships between fluid structures, molecular interactions, and macroscopic properties, deepen the fundamental understanding of molecular thermodynamics, and realize the importance of different types of properties in selecting and developing the most physically sound thermodynamic model for water and electrolytes.

Responsibilities and qualification         
Molecular thermodynamics plays a crucial role in the modelling, design, and optimization of various systems in product and process engineering. Despite significant progress made over the decades, existing thermodynamic models and theories still face significant challenges, particularly when dealing water and electrolyte solutions. To harness these challenges as opportunities to revolutionize molecular thermodynamics by developing novel and physically sound models and theories that surpass current limitations, we are seeking three PhD students within the following directions: 

(1) Molecular thermodynamics for water

• Obtaining structural information of water and electrolyte solutions from advanced experimental techniques, including infrared and/or Raman spectroscopy with support from quantum chemical calculations and molecular simulations
• Evaluating and developing molecular theories for association interactions with consideration of structural information
• Unifying descriptions of thermodynamic and transport properties, with or without anomalous behaviour

(2) Molecular thermodynamics for electrolyte solutions

• Evaluating the role of relative static permittivity in electrolyte equations of state
• Developing a semi-primitive approach for the electrostatic forces
• Predicting solid-liquid equilibria

(3) Molecular thermodynamics for inhomogeneous electrolyte systems

• Developing classical density functional theory for electrolyte systems
• Predicting interfacial tension of electrolyte systems
• Benchmarking electrolyte thermodynamic modelling approaches 

We are looking for academic excellence, and we expect you to be motivated and dedicated to doing research of the highest standards. You should be excited about challenges and enjoy solving them and have an extraordinary drive towards achieving ground-breaking results. You should enjoy working in a team and you are open and honest and conduct research responsibly.

You may indicate which position in your application, and the ideal candidates have:

• a strong background in chemical engineering thermodynamics, physical chemistry, water, electrolyte systems, or a related field
• experience in mathematical modelling, scientific programming
• excellent written and spoken English communication skills

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.

Applicable for all scholarships

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang and Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis.

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, with starting date on 1 August 2026 or according to mutual agreement. 

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 Associate Professor Xiaodong Liang (xlia at kt.dtu.dk) and Professor Georgios M. Kontogeorgis (gk at kt.dtu.dk).

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 29 March 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:

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

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects  or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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 45 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.

At DTU Chemical Engineering  it is our mission to develop and utilize knowledge, methods, technologies, and sustainable solutions within: Chemical and biochemical process engineering and production, Design of chemical and biochemical products and processes, Energy and environment.

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.