PhD Stipend in CFD modelling of Liquid Green Fuel Combustion under Engine-like Conditions

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from 1. March or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

Your work tasks
  The PhD project is centred around advanced CFD modelling of liquid green fuel (methanol and ammonia) combustion under engine-like conditions, i.e., in a constant-volume combustion chamber (CVCC). The detailed tasks are to:

1. Quantify the contribution and effects of radiative heat transfer under engine-like conditions, and propose an accurate, computationally efficient gas radiation models suitable for CFD
   implementation
2. Perform accurate CFD simulations of green fuel combustion in a CVCC and validate the CFD by detailed experimental data to be provided by a collaboration partner
3. Perform a comprehensive CFD-based sensitivity study to reliably assess the impacts of key sub-models (e.g., green fuel combustion mechanisms, radiative heat transfer, turbulence mixing models) and to evaluate the effects of key operation conditions during flame-wall interaction (e.g., wall distance and injection pressure) on combustion, heat transfer and emission characteristics in the CVCC.

The position is offered in relation to the research group "Hydrogen and Electrofuels" and the PhD Student will be positioned to the Section for Thermal Engineering.

Your competencies
The candidate must have a Master degree in the relevant area (e.g., Mechanical or Chemical Engineering), with documented knowledge within liquid fuel combustion and advanced CFD modelling of turbulent reacting multiphase flows. The candidate is also expected to effectively communicate and collaborate with various partners across the EU and in Australia in the project.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    
AAU Energy is a dynamic and internationally oriented research department at Aalborg University, dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems. Our research spans electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industry and academic partners to address real-world energy challenges.
The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs approximately 300 staff members from diverse national backgrounds, including 25 administrative staff, and regularly hosts 30–40 guest researchers from around the world.
We offer advanced laboratory and workshop facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

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

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description (4-5 pages), that describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives.
• Other relevant documents

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.

For professional questions, please contact Chungen Yin, chy@energy.aau.dk, (+45) 99409279

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

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.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment

When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary
and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an
additional 18,01% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated
based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the
main salary.
Read more about pension options here.

At Aalborg University's Doctoral School, engineering PhD students enjoy unique career
development opportunities. These include personalized DISC profile assessments with feedback,
career-focused courses, and networking events with trade unions, employers, and other relevant
parties. Learn more about these initiatives at our Career Hub.

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).

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) (in Danish)