Assistant professor in Strategic Energy Planning

Aalborg Universitet (AAU); Aalborg; On-site; DKK 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University (AAU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Strategic Energy Planning. The position is a three-year, full-time fixed-term appointment starting 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, based in Aalborg.

The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research and teach in energy planning, model energy systems (e.g., EnergyPLAN), supervise bachelor and master students, and contribute to funding applications and international collaborations with

Qualifications

• PhD in sustainable energy transitions, strategic energy planning or a related field.
• Interdisciplinary profile combining energy systems analysis with social sciences or related areas.
• Experience with public participation or participation methods is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research and research-based teaching in sustainable energy transitions and strategic energy planning.
• Design and analyse energy system scenarios and assess carbon balances at national, regional and municipal levels.
• Organise co-creation and outreach activities with project partners and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to securing external research funding and collaborate with Danish and international colleagues.
• Teach and supervise bachelor and master students and potentially co-supervise PhD candidates.

Skills

Energy systems analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Public engagement methods

Academic English communication

Education

PhD in sustainable energy transitions or related field

Tools

EnergyPLAN

Job description

Assistant professor in Strategic Energy Planning

Jobbeskrivelse

The Department of Sustainability and Planning at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a position as assistant professor in the field of Strategic Energy Planning as per 1.12.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a three-year, full-time fixed-term position.

The department was established in 1975. Today, we are located in two beautiful harbour-front locations in Aalborg and Copenhagen. We have more than 250 employees and approximately 1,160 students.

Our research and study programmes are rooted in sustainability and the green transition. This means we conduct research in areas such as circular economy, technology, urban-, energy-, and environmental planning, as well as sustainable transition and design. Sustainability is central to our work in environmental assessment and marine management. In surveying and land use, sustainability is reflected in our efforts in nature restoration and climate adaptation.

As society continues to develop digitally, we also focus on responsible technology development, addressing real-life challenges. Our problem-oriented approach and close collaboration with businesses and public organisations form the foundation of all our study programmes. Additionally, our engineering programmes are among the best in Europe.

You can read more about the Department here and the Faculty as a workplace here.

Your job responsibilities

As assistant professor in Strategic Energy Planning your primary tasks will be within interdisciplinary research and research-based teaching in the field of sustainable energy transitions. Your work will be at the intersection of energy systems analysis, resource assessment, public engagement as well as regulatory and planning frame-works. You will join several research projects where you will be jointly responsible for designing and analysing energy system scenarios; assessing national, regional, and municipal carbon balances; performing qualitative analyses of public engagement and planning strategies related to carbon abatement and renewable energy technologies; as well as organising co-creation and outreach activities with project partners and other public and private stakeholders. You will also participate in the department’s efforts to secure external research funding, and your responsibilities will include exploring opportunities in this regard.

You will teach and supervise students at bachelor's and master’s level, including organising courses within the Bachelor’s programme in Urban, Environmental, and Energy Planning. You will be responsible for guidance and examination of bachelor's and master's degree students, and you may also co-supervise PhD candidates. In your daily work, you will work closely with both Danish and international colleagues and join an interdisciplinary team.

Your competences

You have independent research-related qualifications at international level and hold a PhD degree in sustainable energy transitions, strategic energy planning or a related field. You have an interdisciplinary academic profile that combines competencies in energy systems analysis with qualitative social sciences methods, political sciences or similar. You possess strong analytical skills and experience with the energy systems simulation model, especially EnergyPLAN, would be a key qualification for the position.

You also have experience working with urban, municipal and regional climate and energy planning, including energy and carbon balances, and you are familiar with public participation, participatory methods, or similar approaches related to energy democracy.

As a person, you have strong interpersonal skills, are inclusive and collaborative and are able to contribute to a positive working environment. You can independently translate research objectives into concrete analytical tasks, and you can take the initiative to explore new research avenues and funding opportunities.

You are a clear communicator, and you have experience with supervision and teaching at bachelor's and master's degree level.

Completion of pedagogical courses in supervision or related areas will be considered an advantage, as will experience with external research collaborations. We also draw attention to a stay or employment at one or more internationally recognised research institutions.

We expect you to be able to write and speak English at the academic level.

Danish language skills are an advantage for the position. International applicants are expected to learn Danish, and Aalborg University offers language courses.

In order to be assessed qualified for an assistant professor position, you must