Precision mechanical ventilation system to effectively capture methane from naturally ventilated cattle barns
Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Intern
On-site
This PhD fellowship opportunity at Aarhus University's Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering focuses on developing a precision mechanical ventilation system to capture methane emissions from naturally ventilated cattle barns. Candidates should hold an MSc degree in mechanical, civil and environmental, or architectural engineering with a specialization in HVAC systems. Essential technical competencies include a strong foundation in building ventilation systems, heat and mass transfer, and fluid dynamics. Familiarity with indoor environmental control specific to cattle housing systems is also required. The role involves designing and assessing control strategies to coordinate mechanical ventilation with natural ventilation openings, optimizing methane capture efficiency under varying climatic conditions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are critical, alongside the ability to communicate research findings effectively in English. The position demands collaboration with research institutes and industrial partners, emphasizing applied research to enhance methane cleaning technologies by improving capture efficiency, increasing methane concentration in collected air, and reducing the size and cost of methane cleaning units. Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking and the capacity to evaluate system feasibility and operational efficiency. This research aligns with environmental sustainability goals and requires a rigorous scientific approach within a multidisciplinary engineering context.
About the role
Role Summary
- PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department: Civil and Architectural Engineering
- Programme: Civil and Architectural Engineering
- Start date: 01 April 2026 or later
Research Area and Project Description
- Develop a local precision mechanical ventilation system to capture methane from naturally ventilated cattle barns
- Focus on control and coordination with natural ventilation systems
- Aim: Enhance methane cleaning technologies by improving capture efficiency and increasing methane concentration in collected air
- Reduce required size and initial investment of methane cleaning units, and improve operational efficiency
- Collaborate with research institutes and industrial partners
Responsibilities
- Develop a precision mechanical ventilation system and assess its feasibility
- Evaluate capture efficiency under varying climatic conditions and different natural ventilation opening configurations
- Design and assess control strategies to coordinate mechanical and natural ventilation systems
Requirements
- MSc degree in engineering (mechanical, civil and environmental, or architectural engineering with focus on HVAC)
- Strong background in building ventilation systems, heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics
- Basic knowledge of indoor environmental control of cattle housing systems
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English
- Critical thinking and excellent problem-solving skills
Place of Employment
- Aarhus University
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Navitas, Inge Lehmanns Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Contacts
- Main supervisor: Li Rong ([email protected])
- For application requirements: [email protected]
How to Apply
- Submit your application via this link
- Application deadline: 10 December 2025 at 23:59 CET
- Preferred starting date: 01 April 2026
- Only documents received before the deadline will be evaluated
- The programme committee may request further information or invite applicants to an interview
- Shortlisting will be used; only the most relevant applications will be evaluated
Additional Information
- Aarhus University values equality and diversity and encourages all interested candidates to apply
- Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the applicable collective agreement
- Please mention in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
Project Description Upload
- Copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in your application
Application Guide
- For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, see the application guide
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