At the Faculty of Engineering and Science (ENG), Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University, a three year position for one or more Assistant Professors in Management Engineering is open for appointment from August 15th, 2026, or soon hereafter.

The Department of Materials and Production (MP) is a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department’s mission is to meet the future’s demands for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials’ applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production and management. The Department features several strong, international, and innovative research groups that comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applied research. The activities encompass research and education in materials, mechanics, physics, production techniques, robotics, industrial management, and innovation. The laboratory facilities are world-class, and research activities are often in collaboration with industry.

The position is with the research group Sustainable Operations and Innovation Management (SOIM), which conducts research on the transformation, design, and governance of operations and production systems under digital, sustainability, and societal pressures. The group combines engineering modelling, experimental validation, and managerial decision frameworks to advance knowledge on how complex production systems are developed and reconfigured over time.

Job description

The position contributes to the group’s strategic development toward Industry 5.0-oriented research, with emphasis on human-centric, resilient, sustainable, and digitally enabled operations systems. The successful candidate will demonstrate research competencies within one or more of the following interconnected areas:

     1) Digital Engineering of Production Systems and Supply Chains

The candidate applies and develops engineering models for the analysis, simulation, and optimization of production systems and supply chains, including digital twins, virtual system validation, process modeling, and data-integrated decision models. Research should explicitly support managerial decision-making, system design, investment evaluation, and operational flexibility.

      2) Human-Centric Operations & Workforce Transformation

The candidate focuses on the integration of physical production systems with digital technologies from a socio-technical perspective. This includes human–machine interaction, XR-based interfaces, and engineering solutions for hybrid production systems. Candidates should study human-centric technology adoption, workforce skill transformation, and organizational readiness, ensuring that productivity, safety, and human experience are considered in technology implementation.

      3) Data-Driven Decision Support & AI-Enabled Operations

The candidate conducts research on digital architectures and data-driven decision support for operations planning, system configuration, and continuous improvement. Emphasis is placed on robustness/uncertainty, data quality, and translating analytical insights into strategic and managerial decisions. This domain links technology adoption with operational performance, ensuring that AI and analytics solutions are both effective and aligned with human and organizational capacities.

      4) Experimental Engineering & Living-Lab Research for Sustainability and Innovation

The candidate conducts experimental and empirical research in laboratory and living-lab environments. This includes prototyping digitalized production setups, testing new interfaces and automation concepts, and evaluating human-technology interactions. Research in this domain should inform sustainable operations transitions (e.g., reverse logistics, circular economy, remanufacturing) and support innovation for resilience and learning, including the design of learning factories, competence development programs, and systemic change initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• As a successful candidate you will conduct high-quality research within one or more of these interconnected areas. You will be expected to build and maintain a strong research profile. Publishing research findings in leading international journals and conferences is a crucial aspect of the role. You will actively collaborate with industry partners on applied research projects and participate in international research networks to enhance the department's global research profile.
• Teaching responsibilities include delivering courses in both undergraduate and graduate programs, specifically within the B.Sc. ENG programs in Global Business Engineering, as well as M.Sc. programs in Management Engineering. You will supervise student projects at both bachelor's and master's levels, providing guidance and mentorship to develop the next generation of engineers. The position requires developing and maintaining course materials that reflect current industry practices and technological advances. Teaching is based on Aalborg University's problem-based learning model, which emphasizes practical, project-oriented education.
• As part of the academic staff, you will contribute to the department's administrative functions by participating in departmental committees and working groups. This includes involvement in curriculum development, quality assurance processes, and various academic service activities. You will also contribute to the Department's strategic development and participate in regular faculty meetings and academic planning sessions. The role includes collaboration with colleagues across different sections and departments to ensure integrated and effective program delivery.

Competencies

The position requires strong conceptual and methodological competencies, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to study transformation mechanisms rather than solely measuring effects. Central methodological capabilities could include:

• Simulation and system modeling such as discrete-event simulation, agent-based modeling, and system dynamics, to investigate the dynamic evolution of operations systems.
• Experimental and empirical methods, including field experiments, laboratory studies, and longitudinal research, to uncover mechanisms of transformation.
• Survey design and statistical analysis to generate and analyze structured data on organizational and operational change.
• Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, for example, case studies, interviews, ethnography, participatory design, and co-design with operators - to capture human, organizational, and socio-technical dynamics.
• Data-driven and AI-based methods, such as predictive modeling and algorithmic decision-support, integrated with insights about human and organizational behavior.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment as an Assistant Professor presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. Additional Post-Doctoral experience is strongly preferred. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Management Engineering or related fields
• Post-doctoral research experience
• Strong research potential demonstrated through publications
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
• Teaching experience at university level

Desired qualifications:

• Industry collaboration experience
• Experience with external funding applications

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• A statement outlining your reasons for applying and your intentions and visions for the position.
• Your curriculum vitae, including personal data, educational background, scientific qualifications, dissemination skills, participation in committees and boards, and additional qualifications relevant for the position.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma).
• A complete list of publications.
• Publications you wish to be considered by the assessment committee. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• A specification of your teaching qualifications relative to the teaching portfolio. If this is not enclosed, you must include an explanation for its absence.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position.
• References/recommendations.

An academic assessment committee will assess all candidates.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

What We Offer

At Aalborg University, we provide a comprehensive package designed to support your success and well-being. Your compensation includes a competitive salary under the Danish collective agreement for state-employed academics, along with extensive benefits including pension, generous vacation allowance, and comprehensive parental leave policies. As a faculty member, you'll receive substantial support for research activities, conference participation, and professional development, while working in a dynamic international environment that emphasizes work-life balance and collaborative innovation. For international candidates, we offer language training and support with practical matters. Based in Aalborg, a modern city known for its high quality of life, you'll enjoy excellent public services, a vibrant cultural scene, and a safe, family-friendly environment with easy access to nature, creating an ideal setting for both professional and personal growth.

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish). 

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.