Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biological and Chemical Engineering programme. The position is available from 01 February 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Enzyme-Assisted Capture and Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 from Flue Gas to Syngas
Research area and project description
This project aims to develop an innovative technology for the efficient capture, conversion, and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from flue gas. The proposed method involves enzyme-assisted capture followed by electrochemical conversion of CO2 into syngas, a valuable chemical feedstock that can be used in various industrial applications such as fuel production or the synthesis of chemicals and materials.
The first step of this project focuses on optimizing the selection and immobilization of enzymes capable of efficiently capturing CO2 from flue gas streams. Metalloenzymes, specifically carbonic anhydrase (CA) and formate dehydrogenase (FDH), will be investigated for their potential to capture and convert CO2 into bicarbonate and formate ions, respectively. These enzymes will then be immobilized on suitable materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or nanoparticles to enhance their stability and reusability in the harsh flue gas environment.
In the second step of this project, an electrochemical cell will be designed for the conversion of formate ions into hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), collectively known as syngas. The choice of catalysts, electrolyte, and optimal operating conditions will be investigated to maximize the efficiency of this process. A novel membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) design will also be developed for efficient separation of H2 and CO gases from the reaction mixture.
The overall objective is to demonstrate a scalable and cost-effective technology that can effectively capture and convert CO2 emissions into valuable syngas, contributing significantly towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable industrial practices. The results of this project will be disseminated through publications, conferences, and collaborations with industry partners to facilitate the commercialization of this innovative technology.
Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
The successful candidate must have a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science or a similar subject. Experience with finite element analysis of materials and carbon chemistry will be considered beneficial.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Gustav Wieds vej 12, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Jens Vinge Nygaard, jvn@bce.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Kim Daasbjerg, kdaa@chem.au.dk (co-supervisor)
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 18 December 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 February 2026
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aarhus Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Gustav Wieds vej, 8000 Aarhus C
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 18-12-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/17e1daff-9559-4ac3-806c-1600f5ed4e2f
