Postdoc in Organic Chemistry

Postdoc in Organic Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applications for a Postdoc position focused on process scale-up and industrial implementation of carbon capture technology derived from PET plastic Waste. The project is part of the research project “VPX BAETA Carbon Solutions: At BAETA, we transform PET waste into sorbents for capturing and removing CO2.”, which is financed by VILLUM Power-to-X Accelerator (VPX), and the research will take part in the group led by Associate Professor Jiwoong Lee.

The project
Centralized recycling is impractical due to the dispersed nature of plastic waste—but our approach turns this challenge into an opportunity for decentralized CO2 capture. At BAETA, we transform PET waste into sorbents for capturing and removing CO2. Our chemical upcycling method operates under mild conditions and is both scalable and straightforward. The resulting solid-state sorbents capture CO2 under various conditions—from flue gas at elevated temperatures to direct air capture. Thermally stable, versatile, and robust, our sorbents offer a low-cost, circular solution to carbon capture. During the Villum P2X Accelerator, we will focus on optimizing energy efficiency, designing a prototype, testing it with industrial partners using real flue gas, and scaling the technology up.

The candidate will be focusing on adapting our technology for industrial applications and design a CO2 capture system/filter prototype for flue gas CO2 capture and large-scale plastic waste upcycling. Key Responsibilities: 

• Optimization of chemical processes for sorbent production and carbon capture. Design experimental setups for process validation. Scale technologies from lab towards industrial setting.
• Conduct process simulations using tools such as Aspen Plus, COMSOL, or equivalent software to predict system performance.
• Collaborate with engineering companies to develop a prototype carbon capture filter, as well as optimizing its performance for target CO2 capture efficiency and flow rates.
• Optimization of the entire process, including energy use, material recovery, and waste minimization.
• Collaborate with industrial partners/potential customers to integrate process improvements and support technology commercialization.
• Prepare technical reports and process documentation to support patent applications, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in chemistry, materials science, process engineering, chemical engineering, industrial chemistry, or a related field to join our early-stage carbon capture project with strong industrial potential. The ideal candidate is a team player eager to work across disciplines and help commercialize a novel CO2 capture and plastic waste upcycling technology. The project is currently at a pre-incorporation stage, and if successful, the role could evolve into a co-founder position in a future spinout company.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in carbon capture technologies and flow systems, along with a strong background in process optimization, process flow diagram development, equipment parameter tuning, and reactor or system design. Experience in process scale-up, separation techniques, and process control systems is highly beneficial. Familiarity with tools such as Aspen Plus, COMSOL, or similar for process simulation, as well as experience with techno-economic analysis (TEA), will be important for guiding the design and assessment of our system at scale.

In this role, you will lead the development and prototyping of a CO2 capture filter designed for flue gas conditions, contribute to the optimization of sorbent production processes, and support the transition from lab-scale systems to industrially relevant configurations. Strong communication and collaboration skills are required, as the position also involves some teaching responsibilities and close cooperation with researchers, engineers, and industrial partners.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about applying their skills to build impactful climate solutions from the ground up.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
We are a dynamic and international research group based at the Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Section, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are also affiliated with the Nano-Science Center and collaborate closely with the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center (CORC), which supported the foundational research leading to this project. Our group consists of around 15 members with diverse academic backgrounds, united by a shared curiosity and passion for developing real-world solutions through cutting-edge chemistry. Our research bridges several disciplines, with a strong emphasis on CO2 chemistry—ranging from carbon capture and utilization in organic synthesis to innovative approaches for plastic upcycling and recycling. We aim to address major global challenges through molecular-level insights and cross-disciplinary innovation. We offer a creative and stimulating environment where postdocs will develop skills in organic, inorganic, and organometallic chemistry, catalysis, materials science, and process development. As part of a vibrant academic and industrial network, including strong ties to CORC, group members gain access to a broad range of collaborations and career development opportunities.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Jiwoong Lee, Department of Chemistry, jiwoong.lee@chem.ku.dk, Direct Phone: 35333312.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within organic chemistry as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to the group leader, Jiwoong Lee.

The position is open from 01.09.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and is for 2 years duration. The position is for 37 hours weekly. 

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is May 31st 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.