A 2-year postdoctoral researcher position is available at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in the Software Engineering section of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI). The successful candidate will contribute to the Nudge2Green research project, applying software development and AI methods to design digital nudging tools that promote sustainable consumer behavior in food choices. The position is available from August 1, 2025.
The application deadline is June 10, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)
Introduction
The SDU Software Engineering section at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (Faculty of Engineering) invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in software engineering and artificial intelligence, which will be vacant from 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of the Nudge2Green project, focusing on the development of intelligent software solutions to influence and support sustainable food choices among consumers.
In this role, the postdoc will conduct cutting-edge research on AI-driven nudging tools that encourage environmentally friendly decision-making in everyday food consumption. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with external project partners, including Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, the Food Organization of Denmark, and Heco et al., to exchange insights on markets, consumer behavior, sustainable food, and technical and data requirements. The collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, including experts in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science, will facilitate evaluating the effectiveness of the digital nudging approaches and publishing the findings in high-impact venues. Moreover, the postdoc will actively support the management of SDU-led work packages, including coordinating deliverables, assisting with project reporting, and facilitating communication across the project consortium.
What we offer
We offer a dynamic and supportive research environment within an internationally recognized institute. You will join an open, collaborative team that values teamwork, professional diligence, and innovation. The Software Engineering section provides flexible work conditions and strong support for individual development, including mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and responsibilities.
As part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, our section is involved in a variety of national and European research projects and enjoys a robust network of academic and industrial partners. This position provides an opportunity to engage with these collaborations and work on real-world challenges. We encourage and support our postdocs to publish their research in renowned journals and conferences, and to engage in knowledge exchange with colleagues and external research and industrial partners. The working language is English, and we pride ourselves on a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring workplace that fosters personal and professional growth.
What we expect
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who meets the following qualifications and characteristics:
Workplace description
The postdoc will be employed in the Software Engineering section at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), SDU. MMMI is an internationally recognized research institute within the Faculty of Engineering, known for its contributions to software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The Software Engineering section encompasses a range of research areas in software development, data analytics, and intelligent systems, and it plays a key role in several ongoing European projects.
Our workplace is truly international and collaborative. Researchers in the section come from diverse backgrounds and work closely together on cross-disciplinary projects. We benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a strong administrative and technical support structure. The institute maintains close collaboration with other departments and centers at SDU, as well as with industry partners, providing a vibrant environment where theoretical research meets practical application. The position will be located on SDU’s Odense campus, which offers an attractive setting and a rich campus life in the city of Odense, Denmark’s hub for robotics and technology development.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Mahyar Tourchi Moghaddam (email: mtmo@mmmi.sdu.dk) or Assistant Professor Mina Alipour (mial@mmmi.sdu.dk). If you experience technical problems with the online application process, please contact SDU’s HR support at hcm-support@sdu.dk.
Application procedure
Applicants are advised to carefully read the SDU information on how to apply.
Please include the following documents in English as part of your application:
In addition, you may include the following (highly recommended):
UPLOAD GUIDE: Please note that the 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) in the SDU online recruitment system.
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.
The application deadline is June 10, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)
Assessment and selection process
Read about the assessment and selection process on our website. Applications will be evaluated by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, which means that only the most relevant candidates will be fully assessed, and only shortlisted applicants will receive a detailed written assessment of their application (Read about shortlisting at SDU). Interviews, technical, and aptitude tests may be part of the selection process for final candidates.
Conditions of employment
Appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a temporary position for a 2-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. The preferred starting date is 1 August 2025. Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at the PhD level at the time of appointment.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations 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. Standard Danish vacation rules apply.
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”.
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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.
International applicants and others needing information on moving to Denmark can find details about entering and working in Denmark on SDU’s website (see the “International Staff” section) and through resources like WorkinDenmark.
Further information about the SDU Faculty of Engineering and its departments can be found on the university’s official website.
We look forward to receiving your application.