PhD in Halophyte biorefinery for production of antioxidants and fibers for production of sustainable textiles
Job description
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from August 1st 2025. The position is fixed for 3 years.
Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. AAU educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community.
Who we are
AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings.
AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is located in Esbjerg.
The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world.
Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent.
The position is offered in relation to the research group "Bioenergy and Bioproducts" and the PhD Student will be positioned to the section for “Energy, Esbjerg”.
Read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.
Your work tasks
The PhD position will be part of a new Horizon project “HALOPHYTE BIOREFINERY PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF TEXTILES, COMPOSITES, AND HIGH-VALUE BIOCHEMICALS (HALO-TEX), with the overall aim of making novel sustainable textiles from circular, low input feedstocks. The specific work of the PhD will be to develop and optimize an extraction based, cascade biorefinery approach to utilize the underexploited, climate-resilient feedstocks, namely Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum, syn. Aster tripolium) and Sarcocornia, to produce cellulose fibers and bio-based precursors for functional ingredients and additives for textiles and cosmetics.
Your competencies
The PhD project will include biomass extraction, lignocellulose fractionation by hydrothermal pretreatment, and detailed biomass chemical characterization using HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, Dumas Flash, ect. The applicant must hold a M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, biochemistry/biotechnology, or a similar degree with focus on sustainable biomass utilization. Preferably, the applicant has significant experience with the chemical characterization and biomass fractionation methods mentioned above.
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. 1039 of August 27, 2013 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.
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
- 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.
For professional information, please contact Professor Mette Hedegaard Thomsen, mht@energy.aau.dk. Other questions, please contact HR AAU Energy: hr@energy.aau.dk.
Further information
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.
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, Career 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 28,993.42 DKK before taxes, with an
additional 17% 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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Wages and employment
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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.
Contacts
Ref number
2025/110
Deadline
Appointment and assessment process