Postdoc in Whole-Ship Energy Modelling and Maritime Decarbonization

SDU Mechanical Engineering (SDU ME), part of the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for an 18-month postdoctoral position in thermodynamics-based whole-ship energy modelling. The position is expected to start in March 2027, with the specific start date to be agreed upon with the successful candidate.

What we offer

You will join a research project titled Thermodynamics-Based Whole-Ship Energy Mapping for Retrofit-Oriented Maritime Decarbonization (STERN) funded by Den Danske Maritime Fond. STERN addresses a practical maritime engineering challenge: improvements to individual components do not necessarily result in optimal energy performance for the vessel as a whole. The project will develop physically consistent steady-state and dynamic energy models to quantify interactions among propulsion, auxiliary equipment, cooling and heating systems, waste heat and energy storage under representative operating conditions.

The postdoc will work within an interdisciplinary SDU team led by Assistant Professor Baris Burak Kanbur, together with Professor Marie Lützen and Associate Professor Paride Gullo, and collaborate with maritime partners including the shipping company Hafnia, DESMI and Fredericia Maskinmesterskole (FMS). ShippingLab will support maritime knowledge exchange and outreach. The position offers opportunities for independent scientific development, high-quality publications and close interaction with industry.

Main research activities

Develop modular steady-state thermodynamic and energy-balance models for whole-ship energy mapping, covering fuel input, propulsion, auxiliary power, thermal loads, heat rejection and recoverable energy streams.

Extend these models to dynamic energy simulations representing time-varying engine loads, operational profiles, mode transitions and relevant subsystem interactions.

Model and analyze selected marine subsystems and energy-integration pathways, including propulsion-related energy demand, waste heat recovery, HVAC, cooling/heating optimization, thermal storage and battery storage.

Use representative vessel and component data, engineering correlations and partner feedback to check model assumptions, quantify uncertainty and compare baseline and retrofit-oriented scenarios in terms of energy use and emissions.

Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, project meetings, reporting and dissemination of non-confidential results.

Required qualifications

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline (completed by the date of employment).

A strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics (thermo-fluids) and energy-system analysis.

Demonstrated experience in numerical thermodynamic or energy-system modelling, including steady-state analysis and time-dependent/dynamic simulation.

Programming or modelling skills in MATLAB, Python or comparable scientific computing environments, with the ability to develop and document reproducible models.

Knowledge of waste heat recovery, refrigeration/HVAC, cooling and heating networks, energy storage or component performance maps.

Ability to conduct independent research, work with an interdisciplinary team and communicate research results effectively in English.

Qualifications considered an advantage

Experience with marine engines, propulsion systems, ship energy systems or vessel operating profiles.

Experience with dynamic simulation and control environment like MATLAB Simulink, Modelica/Dymola or equivalent modelling frameworks can also be considered.

Knowledge of advanced control engineering, optimization or model-based control approaches, and experience collaborating with industrial partners.

Workplace description

The position is full-time at SDU ME and located at the SDU main campus in Odense. SDU Odense is the university’s largest campus and provides a strong framework for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and innovation. You will be part of a modern workplace with high professionalism, strong academic communities, and a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. SDU also offers dedicated support for International Staff. Learn more about careers and work life at SDU here: Careers at SDU.

SDU ME is part of the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME) at the Faculty of Engineering. The research activities at SDU ME span widely from fluid mechanics, multi-physics simulation and optimization to condition monitoring and structural dynamics, composite materials, mechanical design, and naval architecture and marine engineering.

The research environment combines thermo-fluid science, energy engineering and computational modelling, with collaboration across SDU and external maritime partners. The successful candidate will contribute to an industry-informed research project while working closely with academic colleagues and maritime experts. The research group is also part of the broader maritime research community at SDU, providing opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration across faculties through the SDU Maritime Centre.

Get a glimpse of (work)life through the eyes of some of our many excellent researchers at SDU in Odense.

Further information

For academic enquiries about the position and the STERN project, please contact Assistant Professor Baris Burak Kanbur (babk@sdu.dk ) SDU Mechanical Engineering.

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

One page motivation letter.

Curriculum Vitae.

Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).

Complete list of publications.

Three publications most relevant to the position.

Name of three references.

A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline is January 1, 2027, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert or assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Employment terms

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 18-month period. The preferred start date is in early 2027 (exact date to be confirmed). Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.