Research Assistant in Cryogenic CO₂ Technologies

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University invites applications for a fixed-term position as Research Assistant in the field of cryogenic CO₂ processing and transport technologies.

The position is part of a newly funded research project focusing on solid-phase CO₂ logistics, addressing key scientific and engineering challenges related to CO₂ desublimation, reliquefaction, and quality control in emerging CCUS infrastructure. The work combines thermodynamic modelling, process analysis, and pilot-scale experimentation, and is closely linked to ongoing industrial collaboration.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2–year position starting April 2026, or as soon as possible.

Job description

The position focuses on research activities related to:

• Cryogenic phase behavior of CO₂ (gas–solid–liquid transitions)
• Thermodynamic and process modelling of CO₂ desublimation
• Operability and control of the dry ice reliquefaction process
• Assessment of contamination risks (O₂, N₂) and hydrate/ice formation
• Analysis and interpretation of pilot-scale experimental data

Depending on background and seniority, the position will emphasize either modelling/conceptual process design or experimental work at pilot scale, with opportunities to contribute to both.

Your profile

Applicants are expected to have:

• A MSc (for Research Assistant) in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Solid background in thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, or process engineering
• Experience with process modelling/simulation and/or experimental work
• Strong analytical and scientific writing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments, including data interpretation and reporting
• Experience with experimental work on cryogenic or pressurized CO₂ systems, including handling of solid and liquid CO₂, is highly desirable

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, including preparation of technical documentation, scientific manuscripts, and presentations.

Who we are

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) conducts internationally recognized research within Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Process Engineering. The department spans fundamental science to mid-TRL technology development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, energy systems, and research that supports the green transition.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is central to our culture. BCE maintains strong partnerships across Aarhus University, including with the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, iNano, Bioscience, Food Science, Agroecology, and Chemistry, as well as with national and international research centers and industrial collaborators. 

What we offer

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering offers:

• A well-developed research infrastructure, including laboratories and specialised facilities supporting experimental research in gas hydrates and related CO₂ capture technologies, as well as access to shared analytical and characterization equipment.
• An exciting interdisciplinary research environment with strong collaborations across Aarhus University and with national, international, and industrial partners engaged in CCUS, energy systems, and sustainable process technologies.
• A research climate that supports open, constructive, and critical scientific dialogue, fostering collaboration across disciplines and research groups.
• A supportive work environment with close working relationships, opportunities for networking, and a range of departmental and social activities.
• A workplace committed to professionalism, equality, and a healthy work–life balance, ensuring that staff can thrive both academically and personally.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Hangøvej 2, 8200 Aarhus N, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. As part of the experimental activities, periodic travel to the test site at the Port of Esbjerg is expected.

Contact information

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Behzad Partoon at +45 22 52 16 59 or behzad.partooncameronshafferjill16obarton@rogers-patelshepardwestbce.au.dk

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 8th Feb 2025.

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattechrichardchristiancrichardsongregoryheather@thompsonhuangaunelson-washington.dk

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/