The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position focused on the implementation of the European Commission’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework. The position is based in Odense, Denmark, and part of the CEB JU-funded ALLIANCE project. 

The position is available from 01 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The project, financed by Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) named “EUROPEAN MICROALGAE ALLIANCE (ALLIANCE): INNOVATIVE, SAFE, AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-PRODUCT BIOREFINERIES FOR A BLUE BIOBASED ECONOMY”. The overall goal of ALLIANCE is to overcome the current limitations in microalgae biorefineries by defining a novel integrated approach to the whole microalgae value chain using a multiproduct biorefinery (MPB) strategy to advance the bioeconomy of microalga-based products effectively.

Project Context

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing hazard and health/safety (SSbD Steps 1–3) for biobased materials used in multiproduct biorefineries. The SSbD work supports substitution of harmful substances, safe processing conditions, and minimizing environmental exposure during final application. The assessments are crucial for validating safer alternatives and sustainable process designs.

Qualifications
 

The successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

• A PhD in Environmental Toxicology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related fields.
• Solid understanding of chemical safety regulations and frameworks: CLP, REACH, SVHC lists, and GHS classification.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Hazard and risk assessment methods (e.g., QSAR, NAMs, in silico tools).
  • Human and environmental exposure modeling (e.g., ConsExpo, Chesar, Vermeer).
• Proficiency in navigating ECHA databases, and use of chemical safety data (REACH dossiers, hazard classification, exposure scenarios).
• Written and spoken language proficiency in English
• Knowledge on environmental system analysis, industrial ecology, or similar expertise. 

Ability to work in an international multidisciplinary environment is also an advantage. A collaborative mindset and proven track record is an advantage. Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills as well as an excellent command of the English language (both written and spoken) are desired.

Desirable Expertise

• Familiarity with the JRC SSbD Framework and EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
• Experience with multi-criteria scoring systems and integration of risk assessment with sustainability metrics.
• Proficiency in software tools like:
  • QSAR Toolbox, Chesar, EPI Suite.
• Experience in working with confidential data in industry-collaborative settings.
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) for exposure modeling or database automation.

Other Competencies

• Ability to work in interdisciplinary, international teams.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, both written and oral.
• Motivation for contributing to science-based policy and decision support.
• Interest in contributing to teaching, outreach, or mentoring activities may be considered an asset.

SDU Life Cycle Engineering

The successful candidates will be affiliated with the SDU Life Cycle Engineering, which is acknowledged for its unique research on global, holistic, and systems integration of agriculture, energy, and materials sectors. The Department of Green Technology is located in Odense, the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. 

Further information about this position is available from Assistant Professor Benyamin Khoshnevisan bekh@igt.sdu.dk or Head of SDU LCE, Professor MSO Morten Birkved morb@igt.sdu.dk. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.  

Deadline for application: 25 July 2025 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).

Application procedure 

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply. 

The application must include the following documents:

• Motivation Letter: A clear and concise statement describing your motivation for applying and explaining why you are a strong match for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae: Include detailed information on your previous employment, research and teaching experience, academic background, publications, and personal contact information.
• Two-Page Research Plan: Outline your proposed research activities, including key objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Academic Certificates and Diplomas: Provide copies of your BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees (if applicable). Documents must be accompanied by official translations in Danish or English.
• List of Selected Publications: Include only publications that are directly relevant to the position. Clearly indicate which publications are attached to the application.
• References: Contact information for two academic or professional references is mandatory.

Applicants may also include reference letters and other supporting documents that demonstrate their qualifications and suitability for the position.

UPLOAD GUIDE:  

Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).  

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. 

Assessment and selection process 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. 

Read about the Assessment and selection process.   

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from 01 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position. 

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information. 

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering. 

Apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu