Postdoctoral Researcher in Promoter Synthesis for CO₂ Capture (Gas Hydrate Technologies) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher in Promoter Synthesis for CO₂ Capture (Gas Hydrate Technologies)

Aarhus University invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in synthetic chemistry within the field of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). The position is jointly hosted by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, and will be embedded within the Partoon and Daasbjerg Groups at the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Center (CORC). The successful candidate will contribute to the HyperCap research program by developing improved and cost-efficient synthesis routes for thermodynamic promoter systems used in gas hydrate–based carbon capture.

This is a 2.5–year position starting July 2026, or as soon as possible. The successful candidate will join the Partoon Group at CORC – Gas Hydrate Research Group and contribute to the HyperCap 2.1 project. The position focuses on optimizing the synthesis and scalable production of a thermodynamic promoter for gas hydrate–based CO₂ capture.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on the synthesis and optimization of a proprietary thermodynamic promoter for gas hydrate–based CO₂ capture.
• Improve synthesis routes to significantly increase yield, robustness, and reproducibility while reducing material and processing costs.
• Contribute to the design, construction, and commissioning of a prototype setup for bulk production of selected promoter systems.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and evaluate thermodynamic promotion performance in hydrate formation experiments.
• Produce sufficient quantities of optimized promoter systems to support pilot-scale testing within Hyper-Cap 2.0.
• Identify and assess cost-effective alternative promoter candidates with comparable or improved performance.
• Collaborate closely with researchers engaged in pilot-scale testing to integrate performance feedback into synthesis optimization and scale-up strategies.
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reporting.
• Contribute to the preparation of national and international research proposals.

Additional expectations include:

• Active participation in research coordination within the Hyper-Cap program and cross-project collaboration.
• Contribution to supervision and mentoring of students working on synthesis, hydrate systems, and carbon capture technologies.
• Engagement with industrial and strategic partners where relevant, in line with Tech Faculty criteria for industrial collaboration and impact.
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices and structured documentation of synthesis and scale-up procedures.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. We seek a highly motivated and independent researcher with a strong background in organic synthesis and reaction engineering, and a demonstrated track record of high-quality research in synthesis-related technologies.

Research and technical qualifications include:

• Demonstrated expertise in organic chemistry, including reaction mechanisms, synthetic route development, and optimization strategies.
• Strong hands-on experience with experimental laboratory research and process development.
• Proven competence in analytical and characterization techniques such as NMR, Raman spectroscopy, GC, and other relevant compositional and structural analysis methods.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and demonstrated ability to conduct and lead independent research activities.

Additional merits include:

• Experience in research proposal development and participation in externally funded research projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Prior experience with CO₂ capture and sequestration technologies, solvent absorption systems, cryogenic separation, solid sorbents, carbon mineralization pathways, or related separation processes.

Aarhus University (AU) is a leading international research university consistently ranked among the top 100–150 universities worldwide and among the top institutions in Europe. With a strong emphasis on research quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international engagement, AU provides a dynamic and globally oriented academic environment. This position is jointly hosted by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) at Aarhus University and is embedded within the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Center (CORC), whose international research hub is based at AU. CORC is a mission-oriented international research center dedicated to developing novel science and scalable technologies for CO₂ capture and conversion, with the ambition to be recognized among the leading global centers addressing CO₂-based climate change mitigation. The center integrates chemical sciences, life sciences, and engineering, supported by advanced systems-level modelling and close collaboration with industrial and policy stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to the HyperCap research program focused on developing scalable gas hydrate–based carbon capture technologies. The chemical development activities are led by Professor Kim Daasbjerg, who will oversee the chemistry and synthesis components, while Associate Professor Behzad Partoon is responsible for overall program coordination and technology integration. This structure ensures strong disciplinary leadership in chemistry alongside close integration with engineering and scale-up activities.

Aarhus University and the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Center offer:

• Access to well-established laboratory infrastructure including facilities for advanced synthesis, high-pressure experimentation, and physicochemical characterization relevant to carbon capture technologies.
• A mission-driven, interdisciplinary research environment embedded within CORC, combining chemical sciences, engineering, and systems modelling to develop scalable CO₂ mitigation technologies.
• Close collaboration with leading national and international partners, including industrial stakeholders engaged in CCUS, energy systems, and sustainable process development.
• Opportunities to contribute to an ambitious research program (HyperCap) advancing novel carbon capture technologies toward pilot-scale demonstration.
• A supportive and collaborative academic culture characterized by open scientific dialogue, strong collegial interaction, and opportunities for professional development.
• A workplace committed to equality, inclusion, and a healthy work–life balance in an internationally oriented university setting.

The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

For further information, please contact Prof Kim Daasbjerg at +45 23 48 52 49 or kdaa@chem.au.dk or alternatively Associate Professor Behzad Partoon at +45 22 52 16 59 or Behzad.partoon@bce.au.dk.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified 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 each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

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. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity. Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

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