PhD scholarship in Latent Thermal Energy Storage for Safe and Flexible Cooling Systems - DTU Construct

Shape the Future of Energy - Help Redesign How We Store and Use Cooling

Cooling systems are essential for modern society - from server rooms and data centers to food storage and thermal comfort - yet they are also large energy consumers. This PhD project aims to make cooling more reliable, and more energy-efficient by developing new ways to store and manage thermal energy. With demand flexibility, solar and wind energy can be used to an optimal extent. The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct), invites applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD position in advanced thermal energy storage.

About the Project
The research explores how phase change materials that can store “cold” energy when they change between solid and liquid states can help make cooling systems more flexible and reliable. A large-scale pilot installation at DTU Campus for server room cooling will serve as a pilot for testing, control, and optimization of such latent thermal energy storage. This installation will be taken into operation in March 2026. To optimize the controllability of cold storage using phase change materials, a novel charge determination method (measurement of energy stored) will be developed in the laboratory. You will work at the intersection of experimental testing, storage modelling, and energy system monitoring and control - contributing knowledge that can help data centers and other high-energy users reduce their environmental footprint. This PhD is embedded in the Clean-Energy Transition Partnership “La-Flex” with Norwegian, German and Danish companies and research institutions. A research stay at NTNU (Trondheim, Norway) is expected to be part of the project and a strategic research alliance.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As part of our research team, you will work closely with academic and industrial partners in Denmark and abroad. Your work will include:

• Designing and carrying out laboratory experiments to improve how we measure and monitor the amount of energy stored in cold storage utilizing phase change materials.
• Collecting and analyzing data from a full-scale (150 kWh capacity) pilot installation at DTU.
• Developing a computer model (“digital twin”) that link physical experiments with advanced control and operation strategies. The model will be utilized for techno-economic investigations regarding flexible cooling and power market integration within the project.
• Work as assistant teacher in relevant courses and supervise BSc and MSc student projects.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree, for example Thermal Energy Engineering, Renewable Energy, Mechanical Engineering, or Material Science. Candidates with knowledge and skills in one or several of the following fields will be given priority consideration:

• A solid understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics or energy systems – pre-knowledge of phase change materials/ Latent thermal energy storage is an advantage.
• Hands-on experience with experimental setups and measurement techniques/ sensors.
• Experience with system modelling and simulation (e.g., TRNSYS, Python, or similar tools).
• System and control engineering (e.g. digital twins, model predictive control) –pre-knowledge in techno-economic analysis is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Proficiency in scientific writing and English communication

Why Join Us
You will be part of a dynamic international research environment, working with cutting-edge energy technologies that can have real impact on how we design sustainable cooling and heating systems. The position offers excellent opportunities for scientific development, international collaboration, and contributing to the global energy transition.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Gerald Englmair and Senior Researcher Mark Dannemand.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is according to mutual agreement – preferably 1 February/1 March 2026. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Gerald Enlgmair, e-mail: [email protected].

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 4 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Publications and other files documenting your knowledge and skills

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-04T22:59:00+00:00