Marie Skłodowska-Curie

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Construct department is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in the development of advanced Carnot Battery technologies, as part of the EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie RESTORATIVE project. This position focuses on large-scale energy storage solutions to accelerate the green transition, with research centered on dynamic modeling, design, optimization, and techno-economic analysis of Carnot Battery systems.

RESTORATIVE is a collaborative doctoral network involving 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 innovation, reliability, integration, environmental assessment, and policy. As a PhD student, you will join the Smart Thermal Energy Systems team at DTU Construct, working alongside experts in thermal and thermo-mechanical energy systems and benefiting from synergies with ongoing projects.

The main supervisor is Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar, with Associate Professor Lasse Røngaard Clausen as co-supervisor. The project includes two secondments: a 6-month academic stay at Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and a 3-month industrial placement at Kraftblock (Germany). You will also participate in network-wide training events, including summer/winter schools and online workshops.

Key research tasks involve developing models and approaches (using Matlab, Dymola, and EES) for the design, optimization, and dynamic modeling of Carnot Battery technology. The project aims for efficient multi-generation, sector coupling, fast response, and high round-trip efficiency. Responsibilities include designing the energy storage concept, implementing a multiobjective optimization framework under uncertainty, dynamic system modeling for resilience and effectiveness, and conducting techno-economic benchmarking against competing technologies.

Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in engineering (preferably thermal or mechanical) or a closely related field. 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 before recruitment. Application materials must include a motivation letter, CV (with places lived/worked in the last 3 years), grade transcripts, and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with grading scale. Academic approval and enrolment in DTU's PhD programme are necessary.

The position is funded by the EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, with a minimum salary of DKK 29,691.75 plus DKK 1,551 position allowance (pre-tax), depending on seniority. The employment period is 3 years, starting 1 September 2026. DTU offers a stimulating international environment, with campuses across Denmark and Greenland, and collaborates with leading universities worldwide.

Applications must be submitted online by 13 May 2026. Prepare a single PDF file in English containing your motivation letter, CV, grade transcripts, and diploma. Fill out the online application form and upload your materials. Late applications will not be considered. For further information, contact Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar ([email protected]) or visit DTU Construct.

DTU is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. The university conducts open-source background checks for positions involving critical technology. Join DTU Construct to contribute to sustainable development and cutting-edge research in energy storage technologies.