Doctoral Researcher, sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.  Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Sustainable Systems research group in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto University is seeking a highly motivated

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

to focus on the sustainability of Power-to-X (PtX) value chains.

Are you passionate about advancing renewable energy technologies? Do you want to develop cutting-edge computational frameworks that shape the future of sustainable energy? Join us in solving key challenges in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.

Project Overview

This PhD project aims to develop decision-making models and optimization strategies for the cross-sector integration and operation of PtX technologies. You will work on ensuring these pathways operate within planetary boundaries while meeting stringent criteria for cost-effectiveness, safety, and operational resilience.

Key Research Questions:

• How can the intermittent nature of renewable electricity production be economically decoupled from further chemical processing of eFuels and eChemicals?
• How can the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the PtX value chain be maximized under operational and market uncertainty?
• How can an efficient and intelligent computational framework be developed to optimally design and operate low-carbon energy transition pathways for the industrial sectors in Finland and beyond?

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Push the flexibility limits of energy transition pathways by modeling operational dynamics, intermediate storage, and variable feedstocks.
• Formulate Techno-Economic and Life Cycle-driven Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models to optimize full PtX value chains.
• Engage with internal group members, academic collaborators, and external industry stakeholders.
• Present research outcomes at international academic conferences and publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

To support your research, you will have access to our group’s comprehensive model library covering PtX technologies, unit operations, training materials, and sustainability assessment frameworks.

Your network and team

You will join the Sustainable Systems group, led by Prof. Rofice Dickson. Our group focuses on developing mathematical models, algorithms, and computer-aided software tools to explore circular and sustainable solutions for energy systems.

You will be directly supervised by Prof. Rofice Dickson and work alongside a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and industrial partners.

The unique competitive edge of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering in the School of Chemical Engineering is based on sustainable utilization of raw materials, designing more efficient processes, and developing new materials and products. Our department’s areas of expertise enable a sustainable future with high-performance products and processes in the circular economy and bioeconomy. The department is in a key position in research of chemical engineering, materials technology, metals processing, efficient energy technologies and digitalization of these. Our core competences include unit operations and processes in chemical engineering, hydro- and pyro-metallurgy, catalyst and polymeric materials, novel catalytic process, process control and process systems engineering.

Your Experience and Ambitions

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong research background in Process Systems Engineering of energy systems.

Required:

• Master’s Degree: In Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Optimization background: Solid experience applying mathematical programming (e.g., MILP, MINLP) to energy or process systems.
• Programming proficiency: Demonstrated skills in optimization or modeling environments (e.g., GAMS, Python, Julia, or MATLAB).

Desirable (Considered an Advantage):

• Assessment Methodologies: Knowledge of TEA and LCA methodologies.
• Software tools: Familiarity with process simulation tools (Aspen Plus/Hysys, PRO/II) and LCA software (SimaPro, openLCA).
• Research focus: Strong interest in renewable energy pathways, cross-sectoral integration, and decision-making under uncertainty.

What we offer

The starting date is January 1, 2027, or as mutually agreed. We offer a fixed term contract initially for 2 years. During the first 6 months you must apply and receive a right to study in the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering. After a successful evaluation by the end of the first 2 year contract, the contract can be extended. Extension contract is typically based on the progress evaluation, revised project plan and available funding.

The starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is about 3140 €/month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits.

Please check the student information and admission criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering. Please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English.

We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

We offer great possibilities for competence development and learning. We constantly keep learning to find the most impactful ways to empower – and invest in – our people.

Join us!

If you want to join our community, please submit your application no later than 22.11.2026, in English through our online recruitment system by using the link ("Apply Now") on Aalto University's web page.  Please note that we only accept applications via Workday.

Please including the following attachments mentioned below, in English:

• A cover letter describing your motivation for pursuing this PhD position
• A CV, including your academic achievements, possible list of publications, and any relevant work or research experience
• Contact details of at least two references
• Copies of your academic transcripts and degrees

Please note that the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Rofice Dickson at rofice.dickson@aalto.fi.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report

For more information about living in Finland:

Aalto Careers for International Staff

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