Postdoc in Biochar Optimization for Adsorption of Phosphates - DTU Chemical Engineering

This postdoc is suited to a researcher with a strong experimental background in chemical engineering who wants to build expertise in pyrolysis, biochar modification and its use as a phosphate adsorbent.
The project focuses on optimizing biochar for removing phosphate from agricultural drainage waters, linking fundamental research on pyrolysis and adsorption with practical application in management of nutrients. At the CHEC Research Centre, you will produce biochars from a range of biomass and waste-derived feedstocks using laboratory-scale pyrolysis equipment and characterize and test them in adsorption experiments. You will develop your scientific profile through independent research, publications, project responsibility, and collaboration with industry and other project partners.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your focus will be experimental research on the production of biochar from biomass and waste-derived feedstocks, and on optimizing it as an adsorbent for phosphate in agricultural drainage waters. You will select suitable feedstocks, design and carry out pyrolysis and adsorption experiments, and interpret the results so that they can be used by project partners in pilot- and field-scale activities. You will take responsibility for selected research tasks and work packages in a collaborative project with academic and industrial partners. You will conduct independent research under the supervision of Researcher Giulia Ravenni and Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte, and contribute to developing new research activities in the field.
Your primary tasks will be to:

• Select suitable biomass and waste-derived feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, digestate fibres and other residues, for phosphate adsorbent production
• Plan and conduct laboratory-scale pyrolysis experiments, including optimization of process conditions and any activation or modification steps
• Characterize feedstocks and biochars using chemical and physical analytical methods
• Carry out batch and column adsorption experiments to assess phosphate removal capacity, kinetics, and performance in drainage water
• Investigate relationships between feedstock properties, process conditions, biochar properties and phosphate adsorption performance
• Analyze experimental data and communicate results and recommendations to project partners for pilot- and field-scale testing
• Lead research tasks and selected work packages in the project
• Supervise MSc students and contribute to the supervision of PhD students
• Publish and communicate research results in scientific journals, conferences, project reports and meetings with project partners

You must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering or a related field and a strong background in experimental research. You should be able to plan and conduct research independently, analyses and interpret experimental data, communicate scientific results in English, and collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners.
Hands-on experience with pyrolysis or other thermal conversion processes, and with characterization of biochar, is a strong advantage. Experience with adsorption studies and phosphate analysis, and with methods such as ash analysis, TGA, BET/surface area analysis and SEM-EDX, will also be considered an advantage, as will experience assessing contaminants such as heavy metals and PAHs relevant to the safe use of biochar in the field.
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. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.
The period of employment is two and a half year, from 1 December 2026 to 30 June 2029. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Researcher Giulia Ravenni, [email hidden], tel. +45 9351 1592 or Senior Researcher Wolfgang Stelte, [email hidden], tel. +45 2089 5370.
You can read more about the Department of Chemical and Biochemical 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.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 14 October 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:

• 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.
The CHEC Research Centre at DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering conducts research in chemical and reaction engineering with a strong focus on thermochemical conversion technologies, including combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Our research combines fundamental experimental research with technology development and close collaboration with industrial partners.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.