Are you interested in real-time distributed systems, IoT connectivity, and AI-driven automation? The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position working on cutting-edge research in IoT sensor networks for critical infrastructure monitoring and mission-critical control systems.


Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2-year position starting 1 February or as soon as possible thereafter.
 

Job description

We are seeking an innovative researcher to contribute to research projects focused on real-time distributed systems and AI-enhanced automation for critical infrastructure monitoring and control.

Your primary focus will be on designing and validating IoT sensor networks with long-range wireless communication capabilities for real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure. A key application area will be smart grid powerline monitoring, where you will work on:

• Designing and leading the development of low-power, low-latency communication protocols using LPWAN technologies for distributed sensor deployments
• Ensuring resilient, real-time data acquisition from distributed sensor networks in challenging operational environments
• Architecting and implementing AI autoencoders (e.g., TensorFlow Lite) for intelligent sensor data feature learning
• Taking ownership of secure data concentrator system design that aggregates multi-sensor data and interfaces with industrial control systems such as SCADA
• Integrating security modules to ensure resilient and secure system operations
• Validating system performance through prototype testing and field demonstrations.

While working within these application domains, you will have freedom to identify research questions, propose novel approaches, and pursue innovative solutions. We encourage independent thinking and creativity and value your contributions to advancing the state of the art in IoT systems and critical infrastructure monitoring.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to work on fundamental challenges in distributed systems, real-time communication, and AI-enhanced automation with applications across multiple critical infrastructure domains. You will collaborate closely with industry partners and contribute to deliverables with direct real-world impact.

You will be encouraged and supported to publish your research findings in top-tier conferences and journals, present at international venues, and develop your independent research profile. The position provides an excellent foundation for building expertise in IoT systems and critical infrastructure, positioning you for future academic or industry leadership roles.
 

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a similar field, with a strong foundation in distributed systems and communications.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Strong software development skills for wireless communication systems and IoT technologies, with experience in implementing communication protocols
• Proven expertise in real-time systems, embedded systems, or edge computing
• Knowledge of network protocols and communication systems and data aggregation techniques
• Experience with AI/ML implementation, particularly for sensor data processing, feature learning, or autonomous system control
• Solid software development skills in languages such as Python, C/C++, or similar, with experience in system architecture design

The following qualifications would be considered strong advantages:

• Experience with edge AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow Lite)
• Familiarity with mission control systems, SCADA systems, or critical infrastructure monitoring
• Background in cybersecurity for IoT
• Knowledge of industrial IoT applications in energy systems, smart grids, or other critical infrastructure
• Publication record in relevant conferences or journals
• Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams bridging academic research and industrial application

Personal skills

We value strong communication skills, ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in international teams, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience in translating research results into practical implementations is highly valued.
 

Who we are

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Aarhus University is a leading research institution with strong expertise in computer science, electrical engineering, and wireless communication systems. We maintain active collaborations with industry partners and are involved in multiple national and international research projects focused on IoT and critical infrastructure.

You will be joining the Networks and Analytics (NAN) research group, which focuses on research and innovation in developing and applying internet technology across a wide selection of fields in electrical and computer engineering for real-world, large-scale applications. The NAN group has strong expertise in wireless networks, routing, network security, data analytics, and cooperative multi-agent systems, with extensive experience in smart energy grids, smart and integrated transport and satellite communication systems.

Our research group provides a dynamic and supportive environment where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work with both academic researchers and industry professionals, contributing to projects with real-world impact.

Department web site: https://ece.au.dk
 

What we offer

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers:

• An exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in IoT systems and critical infrastructure monitoring
• A well-developed research infrastructure with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and computing facilities
• Strong industrial partnerships providing direct pathways to real-world implementation and validation
• An interdisciplinary research environment with collaboration opportunities
• Active international research networks and opportunities to present work at leading conferences
• Opportunities to co-supervise bachelor’s, master's and PhD students
• A supportive work environment that values work-life balance, professional development and openness

 

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Helsingforsgade 10, 8200 Aarhus N (Denmark), and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 
 

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Professor Rune Hylsberg Jacobsen, +45 4189 3252, rhj@ece.au.dk.
 

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 15 December 2025.



Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.


Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk


Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

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


Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/