Research and Technical Specialist – PtX Pilot Facilities

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University is looking for a Research and Technical Specialist to support the operation, development, and research activities of the PtX pilot facilities at AU Viborg. The position combines hands-on operation and maintenance of advanced pilot-scale facilities with experimental R&D, project activities, student supervision, scientific dissemination, and outreach. Particular emphasis will be placed on the operation and further development of solid oxide electrolysis facilities and their integration with downstream Power-to-X processes.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is an open-ended position from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description

The position will contribute to the operation, maintenance, and continued development of pilot-scale facilities and experimental activities at the PtX Test Facility at AU Viborg. You will work primarily with solid oxide electrolysis facilities, including preparation and execution of experimental campaigns, routine operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and implementation of modifications required for research and project activities. You will also contribute to the integration and operation of the electrolyzer units with other PtX processes and pilot facilities.

In addition to facility operation, you will be involved in experimental R&D activities, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and preparation of technical documentation and project reports. You will contribute to the dissemination of research results, including co-authoring scientific publications and participating in relevant scientific and technical activities.

The position will also contribute to the educational and outreach activities associated with the PtX Test Facility. This includes co-supervision and technical support of BSc and MSc students undertaking internships, R&D projects, and thesis work at the facility, as well as participation in public outreach and demonstration activities, with particular emphasis on activities targeting high-school students.

These activities will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers, technical staff, students, and industrial and academic partners involved in research and development activities at the PtX Test Facility.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with a relevant technical or engineering background and strong hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of experimental and pilot-scale process facilities. Significant previous experience with solid oxide electrolysis systems, including independent operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, experimental preparation, and data acquisition, will be considered a strong advantage. Experience from an operational Power-to-X research environment and familiarity with the associated process equipment, instrumentation, control systems, gas handling, and safety procedures are highly desirable.

The candidate should have experience in supporting experimental research activities, including execution of test campaigns, analysis and documentation of experimental results, and preparation of technical or project reports. Experience in supporting or co-supervising engineering students in experimental projects, internships, or thesis activities is an advantage, as is experience contributing to scientific publications and research dissemination.
The position requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with researchers, technical personnel, students, and external partners. The candidate should have good communication and organizational skills and be able to communicate effectively in English in an international research environment. A practical, systematic, and safety-conscious approach to experimental work is essential.

Who we are

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 260 people and is responsible for research and education within the department’s scientific areas. We educate both Bachelor's and Master of Science in Engineering students, 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, the focus is on living systems, the biology of organisms, efficient production, and transformation of chemicals, materials, and energy. We translate knowledge in biotechnology, food technology, environmental technology, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology, 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.

The PtX Test Facility at AU Viborg provides a unique experimental environment for research, development, and demonstration of Power-to-X technologies from laboratory to pilot scale. The facility combines flexible utility infrastructure with several pilot-scale conversion technologies, enabling stand-alone testing as well as integration of different processes. Research activities include solid oxide electrolysis, synthesis of renewable fuels and chemicals, process integration, scale-up, and investigation of dynamic operation under conditions relevant to renewable energy systems.

https://bce.au.dk/en/research/facilities/power-to-x-test-facility

What we offer

The department offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with access to well-developed laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure. At the PtX Test Facility, you will work hands-on with advanced Power-to-X technologies and have opportunities to contribute to their continued development, operation, and integration.

You will become part of a collaborative environment involving researchers, technical specialists, students, and national and international industrial and academic partners. The position provides opportunities to contribute across experimental research, technology development, education, scientific dissemination, and public outreach.

We offer an open and collaborative working environment with a high degree of professional responsibility and independence, while supporting knowledge sharing, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

Place of employment will be Burrehøjvej 43, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.

Contact information

Please contact Thomas Lundgaard (deputy head of department) at +452916 3135, thomas.lundgaard@bce.au.dk, or Behzad Partoon (associate professor) at +45 22521659, behzad.partoon@bce.au.dk

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 8 September 2026.

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

You will be employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4–8.

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.