Janne Dragsted

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Construct department is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in the development of advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology, as part of the EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie RESTORATIVE project. This research aims to accelerate the green transition by advancing grid-scale energy storage solutions. The project focuses on dynamic modeling, design, optimization, and techno-economic analysis of site-insensitive CAES systems, targeting efficient multi-generation, sector coupling, and high round-trip efficiency without the need for underground caverns. RESTORATIVE is a collaborative doctoral network comprising 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, with 16 partners from 10 European countries. The network investigates grid-scale energy storage from multiple perspectives, including technological development, reliability, integration, environmental assessment, and policy. As a PhD student, you will join the Smart Thermal Energy Systems team at DTU Construct, benefiting from synergies with ongoing projects and departmental expertise in thermal and thermo-mechanical energy systems. The position includes two secondments: a 6-month academic stay at Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and a 3-month industrial placement at COWI AS (Denmark). You will also participate in network-wide training events, including summer/winter schools and online workshops, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. Supervision will be provided by Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar and Associate Professor Janne Dragsted. The research will involve developing models and approaches (using Matlab, Dymola, and EES) for CAES design, optimization under uncertainty, dynamic system modeling, and benchmarking against competing technologies. Key tasks include specifying technical details, operational setpoints, and conducting multiobjective optimization for optimal sizing and system interactions. Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent. Compliance with Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules is required: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Application materials should include a motivation letter, CV with residence history, grade transcripts, and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with grading scale. Academic approval and enrolment in DTU's PhD programme are necessary. DTU offers a competitive salary (minimum DKK 29,691.75 plus DKK 1,551 position allowance, pre-tax), full tuition, and a stimulating international research environment. The employment period is 3 years, starting 1 September 2026. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Security and export control background checks may be conducted. For further information, contact Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar ([email protected]) or visit the DTU Construct website. Applications must be submitted online by 13 May 2026. Prepare a single PDF file with all required documents and follow the application instructions on the portal. Late applications will not be considered. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in sustainable energy systems, advanced modeling, and interdisciplinary research within a leading European technical university.

This PhD scholarship at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Construct) is part of the RESTORATIVE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme. The research focuses on developing operation planning strategies and optimization algorithms for grid-scale energy storage systems, with an emphasis on thermo-mechanical technologies. The project aims to enable energy storage systems to operate at minimum cost while maintaining optimal technical performance and providing effective grid-balancing services. RESTORATIVE is a collaborative network involving 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, with 16 partners from 10 European countries. The doctoral candidate will join the Smart Thermal Energy Systems team at DTU Construct, benefiting from synergies with ongoing projects and departmental activities. The main supervisor is Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar, with Associate Professor Janne Dragsted as co-supervisor. The PhD project includes two secondments: a 6-month academic stay at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, and a 3-month industrial placement at GreenLab Skive, Denmark. Additional training opportunities include summer/winter schools and online workshops with the doctoral network. The research tasks involve implementing steady state and dynamic operational models, establishing high-resolution databases for energy and environmental data, designing optimization and control algorithms, and benchmarking these algorithms through realistic case studies and uncertainty analyses. Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent, preferably in engineering disciplines such as thermal or mechanical engineering. Strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, or similar environments are required. Candidates must comply with Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, meaning they should not have resided or worked in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. All application materials must be submitted in English, and candidates may apply before completing their master's degree but cannot start until it is awarded. The position is fully funded, with a minimum salary of DKK 29691,75 plus DKK 1551 position allowance (pre-tax), based on seniority. Employment terms follow the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations agreement. The contract duration is 3 years, starting 1 September 2026 or as mutually agreed. DTU offers a stimulating international environment, academic excellence, and opportunities for outreach and dissemination activities. To apply, submit your complete application online by 13 May 2026. Prepare a single PDF file including a motivation letter, CV (with mobility history), grade transcripts, and BSc/MSc diploma with grading scale. Fill out the online application form and upload your materials in English. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. For further information, contact Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar ([email protected]) or visit the DTU Construct website.