Research assistant at PtX test facility, AU Viborg

The Power-to-X (PtX) Test Facility at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applications for a one-year Research Assistant position. This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic research and development team working on Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) pilot setups. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental activities, process optimization, and technology development as part of ongoing projects focused on advancing Power-to-X solutions for a sustainable energy future.
 

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a one–year position from 1st October 2025.
 

Job description

The research assistant will play a central role in supporting the operation and advancement of our solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) pilot plants (P201 and P202) at the PtX Test Facility in AU Viborg. Key responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining SOE pilot plant setups
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data from plant operations
• Assisting students and supporting collaborative research activities
• Contributing to the preparation of research papers and technical reports
• Mentoring internship students and providing guidance on laboratory activities

The position offers opportunities to work within a multidisciplinary research environment, engage with ongoing Power-to-X projects, and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art pilot-scale technologies.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, energy engineering, or a related discipline.
The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in the operation, maintenance, or experimental work with pilot-scale chemical or electrochemical plants (experience with Solid Oxide Electrolyzer setups is an advantage)
• Experience in collecting and analyzing experimental data
• Previous involvement in teaching or supervision of students
• Experience contributing to research publications or technical reports
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken (English required)
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with an ability to mentor and support students

 

Who we are

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering was established on January 1, 2021, in connection with Aarhus University’s reorganization of the engineering area. The department employs around 175 people and is responsible for research and education within the department’s scientific areas. We educate both Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering and around 825 students are enrolled in our study programs. Furthermore, we also offer an ambitious PhD program. Our PhD students have high academic ambitions and deliver high-quality results for both the private and the public sectors.

At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, focus is on living systems, the biology of organisms, efficient production, and transformation of chemicals, materials and energy. We translate knowledge within biotechnology, food technology, environmental technology, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology and electrochemical engineering, and more into new technologies and value-creating solutions that can also be used in the business community.

Many of our research and development activities are based on companies' specific innovation needs or specialist application areas. Close collaboration with the public sector and private businesses ensures that the knowledge and technology generated in the department's research environments has a clear anchoring in reality and benefits the surrounding society. We also provide research-based public sector consultancy and advice on technology in agriculture and food.

What we offer

At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment for researchers passionate about sustainable technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. In this role, you will benefit from:

• Access to well-developed research infrastructure, including pilot-scale experimental facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, software, and databases.
• An interdisciplinary research environment spanning chemical engineering, process systems, biotechnology, and Power-to-X technologies.
• Opportunities for close collaboration with national and international academic partners, as well as industrial stakeholders involved in leading-edge research activities.
• A research culture that encourages open dialogue, innovation, and critical thinking across disciplines.
• A collegial and inclusive workplace with networking activities, knowledge sharing, and a strong commitment to team development.
• A focus on professionalism, equality, and work-life balance, ensuring a healthy and productive working environment.

You will become part of a growing research initiative with real-world impact and visibility, and will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping next-generation sustainable technologies.
 

Place of work and area of employment

The permanent workplace for this position is Burrehøjvej 43, 8830 Tjele (AU Viborg).
The area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions. Attendance at the workplace will be agreed with your immediate supervisor.
Transport to the AU Viborg campus is provided from Aarhus via department vehicles, following the existing carpooling practice.

Contact information

For further information, please contact:  Associate Professor Behzad Partoon (behzad.partoon@bce.au.dk)
 

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 3rd August 2025.
 

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
 

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/