Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Carbon Capture

Jobbeskrivelse
In the CarbonLab research group at AAU Energy, Aalborg University, we invite applications for a full-time, 24-month postdoctoral position from November 1st 2026 or soon hereafter, until October 31st 2028. The employment is within the HTL Accelerator project funded by the Just Transition Fund (Fonden for Retfærdig Omstilling). You will work with continuous hydrothermal liquefaction to produce bio-crudes and continuous carbon capture.

Your work tasks
The offered position will focus especially on the production of HTL bio-crude from our in-house continuous pilot HTL unit from different biomass feedstocks, and commissioning and technically validate a pilot-scale carbon unit. In collaboration with the principal investigator, the candidate will plan and document experiments, prepare project deliverables and internal reports, and disseminate results at international conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. Depending on your interests, you may also contribute to supervision of students working on related topics.

Your competencies
You hold a PhD in hydrothermal liquefaction and preferrable have solid experience with continuous catalytic hydroprocessing. You are confident working with high-pressure systems and lab-scale reactor setups, and you are used to linking process conditions to product distributions and fuel properties. Experience with analytical techniques for characterization of bio-oils and fuel fractions, and familiarity with specification frameworks for transportation fuels, in particular sustainable aviation fuels, will be an advantage. You have a documented track record of publishing in international journals and are comfortable presenting your work to different audiences. You work independently in the laboratory, take responsibility for data quality and safety, and contribute positively to collaboration in the research group. You speak and write English fluently.

Who we are
You will join the CarbonLab research group at AAU Energy, Aalborg University. The group works on carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies, including direct air capture, integration of Power-to-X solutions into energy systems, production and upgrading of bio-oil from biomass and development of advanced biofuels for the transport and energy sectors.
AAU Energy offers modern laboratory facilities, an international and interdisciplinary research environment and close collaboration with both academic and industrial partners. You will have good opportunities to develop your research profile, extend your network and contribute to the green transition through concrete experimental work on advanced biofuels.

Read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.

Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

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 appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

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.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Thomas Helmer Pedersen: +4599403811, [email protected]
• Mikkel Lønsman Hukiær: [email protected]

Ansøgningsfrist
17-06-2026

Ref. nummer
2026/807

Afdeling
Department of Energy