<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> Postdoc in in Modeling and investigating the fate of PFAS in subsurface environments - DTU Sustain <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

We are looking for a skilled postdoc to support our team working on soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination. We are currently working on several projects that investigate the reactive transport and retention of groundwater contaminants, particularly PFAS, in porous and fractured subsurface environments. A major goal is to quantify the magnitude and longevity of contaminant fluxes and the risk they pose to groundwater, adjacent surface water, and drinking water resources.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As postdoc, you will support and independently work on tasks related to research and development projects with a focus on modeling and interpreting contaminant transport in the subsurface. Your focus will be on developing, testing and applying numerical models to investigate and describe the transport of possibly persistent and mobile dissolved contaminants such as PFAS in the unsaturated zone and groundwater.

Your responsibilities will include

• Identify and develop suitable models to describe the reactive dynamic transport and retention behavior of PFAS and other dissolved contaminants in the subsurface
• Identify relevant model parameters and parameter sensitivity based on literature, laboratory and field data, and modeling
• Develop and apply reactive transport models in saturated and unsaturated soils by use of Comsol Multiphysics and other tools 
• Interpret and document the modeling results in light with laboratory and field data
• Supervise BEng/MSc students
• Contribute to relevant teaching tasks
• Write scientific publications and attend conferences
• Contribute to the dissemination of results to project partners (e.g., with Danish Regions, consultants, Environmental Protection Agency)

We expect you to have

• Profound understanding of reactive transport in the subsurface (saturated and unsaturated zone, sorption, degradation, PFAS specific parameters and processes)
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking and good communication skills
• Strong modelling experience, ideally with Comsol Multiphysics, Python and QGIS
• Good knowledge of geology and hydrogeology in aquitard-aquifer systems
• Experience in collaborations with partners from consultancy and public authorities
• Ability to work both in a team and independently
• Excellent English and basic knowledge of the Danish language

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in environmental engineering or a similar scientific area. 

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 terms of employment 
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 position is a full-time position, and the place of work is DTU Lyngby Campus.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is June 1st , 2025, or according to mutual agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Klaus Mosthaf, DTU Sustain, klmos@dtu.dk  - https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/persons/klaus-roland-mosthaf  

You can read more about DTU Sustain at https://sustain.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 .

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 May 2025 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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 Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society.  We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff members from more than 30 nationalities.

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.

• Job Identification 5102
• Job Category VIP B
• Posting Date 05/02/2025, 02:44 AM
• Apply Before 05/16/2025, 05:59 PM
• Locations Bygningstorvet, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK