Postdoc in Modelling Hydrogen Liquefaction using Magnetocalorics - DTU Energy

Do you want to help research and develop an environmentally friendly new cooling technology to enable Power-to-X? As part of a large EU-funded project, we will develop a cryogenic cooler based on the magnetocaloric effect to liquefy hydrogen for transportation purposes. The consortium of 14 partners from 9 countries will develop magnetocaloric materials and apply them to a new prototype capable of liquifying hydrogen starting from liquid nitrogen temperature.
Do you want to help research and develop an environmentally friendly new cooling technology to enable Power-to-X?
As part of a large EU-funded project, we will develop a cryogenic cooler based on the magnetocaloric effect to liquefy hydrogen for transportation purposes. The consortium of 14 partners from 9 countries will develop magnetocaloric materials and apply them to a new prototype capable of liquifying hydrogen starting from liquid nitrogen temperature.

You will focus on modelling the magnetocaloric liquefaction device using an existing 1D numerical model which has been used for over a decade for modelling magnetocaloric devices at DTU. The model considers fluid flow, heat transfer dynamics and magnetism and solves the partial differential equations governing the system as function of time. In the project, you will use the model to e.g. screen the influence of material properties on the cooling performance, but also potentially to develop a more detailed and computationally efficient model for heat transfer and to assess design concepts for the prototype magnetocaloric system. The results that you achieve from the modelling will be crucial for the project partners, who will realize a liquefaction prototype, and you will get to collaborate with these partners.

The core task for you in this one-and-a-half-year postdoc position is to model the active magnetic regenerator, i.e. the interplay between fluid flow, heat transfer and magnetism, all applied to a cryogenic hydrogen liquefaction system. We have a numerical model capable of simulating the system and your task will be to dimension and parameterize the system using the model, taking into account innovative aspects such as novel magnetocaloric materials. You will work closely with other partners to implement material properties into the model and incorporate the prototype design into the system model.

Qualifications
Qualified applicants must have:

• PhD degree in engineering, physics or similar.
• Experience with heat and mass transfer and/or numerical modelling techniques.
• Scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Experience in the following is desirable but not necessary for applying:

• MATLAB or similar programming languages
• modelling heat transfer or fluid flow
• magnetocalorics or similar materials.
• cryogenics.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 starting date is as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time 1.5-year position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Rasmus Bjørk, +45 46 77 58 95, [email protected]

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Thursday 6 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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.

DTU Energy
is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk.

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.

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