Postdoc in Critical Raw Material Recovery from High-Salinity Brines – DTU Offshore

Technical University of Denmark · Kongens Lyngby

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development and optimisation of technologies for recovering valuable elements from high-salinity brines, with produced water from offshore oil and gas production as an initial focus.

You will join an international research environment and collaborate with researchers across DTU and with industrial partners on projects combining experimental investigations, chemical analysis, thermodynamic modelling and process engineering.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to advance the development of efficient and environmentally sustainable methods for recovering critical raw materials from complex aqueous streams. You will investigate chemical separation and precipitation processes, evaluate their performance through laboratory experiments and modelling, and contribute to the development of integrated workflows for process optimisation and technological scale-up.

The research will involve high-salinity brines containing valuable elements such as lithium, magnesium, boron, silicon and rubidium. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the influence of water composition, chemical conditions and process parameters on recovery efficiency, product purity and operational performance.
Working closely with colleagues at DTU Offshore, DTU Chemistry and other research partners, you will conduct high-quality research bridging fundamental chemical processes and practical applications in resource recovery and water treatment.

We seek candidates with

A PhD in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, process engineering, chemistry or a related discipline.
Experience with laboratory investigations of aqueous chemical systems, preferably involving high-salinity brines, produced water, industrial wastewater or related process streams.
Knowledge of chemical separation processes, including precipitation, mineral formation, water treatment or resource recovery.
Experience with analytical and characterisation techniques such as ICP-OES, ion chromatography, XRD, SEM or comparable methods.
Experience with thermodynamic or chemical process modelling, preferably using tools such as PHREEQC or equivalent software.
Skills in data analysis, numerical modelling or programming, for example using Python.
Understanding of process engineering and the optimisation of laboratory or industrial treatment processes.
Interest in environmental assessment, resource efficiency and the development of sustainable technologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.

Experience with process design, experimental validation, environmental impact assessment or the development of technologies towards pilot scale will be considered an advantage.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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: https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Karen L. Feilberg (klfe@dtu.dk). You can read more about DTU Offshore at https://offshore.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 9 November 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 (BSc/MSc/PhD – in English) and grade transcripts
List of publications
Names and addresses of three references

Please do not include additional documents such as published articles/reports or copies of course certificates in your application; a list of your publications/certificates in your CV is sufficient.

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.

About DTU Offshore
DTU Offshore is Denmark's national R&D centre for offshore technologies, developing research-based solutions for the energy transition. We address critical challenges across CO₂ storage, water treatment, energy production and storage, abandonment, island energy systems, and impact on the marine environment. Through close collaboration with industry partners, regulatory authorities, and research institutions, we deliver applied innovations that support responsible on- and offshore energy operations. Our multidisciplinary approach combines decades of experience in the North Sea with world-class laboratory facilities.

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.

Are you interested in contributing to the green transition through the recovery of critical raw materials from industrial and energy-related water streams? At DTU Offshore, you will have the opportunity to work on scientific and engineering challenges related to resource recovery, water treatment and sustainable process technologies.

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