At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Sustainability and Planning, Aalborg University invites applications for a position as Professor of Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Education, affiliated with the Aalborg Centre for Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability (a UNESCO Category II Centre ). The position is open for appointment from 1 September 2026 or soon thereafter and will be based in Aalborg, Denmark.

About the Position
We seek an internationally recognised scholar with a strong research profile in engineering education, with documented contributions to research on teaching, curriculum development, and educational innovation in engineering or closely related STEM and professional fields. The successful candidate will bring an original and internationally recognized research agenda that advances knowledge on the education of engineers — including the development of professional competences, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with complex technological and societal challenges.

The candidate is further expected to demonstrate active engagement in international research collaboration and to contribute to the strengthening of global academic networks in engineering education. In line with this, the candidate is expected to engage with research on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the sustainable development of engineering education as important domains of scholarly contribution and application. This may include theoretical development, empirical research, pedagogical innovation, digital educational development, professional development of engineering educators, or institutional educational transformation. Such work may, for example, address how engineering education evolves to meet emerging societal needs — including digital transformation, interdisciplinary collaboration, educator and leadership capacity strenghthening, and the green transition — often in collaboration with international partners and comparative educational contexts.

The professorship is intended to strengthen Aalborg University’s international research leadership and global engagement in engineering education and educational development. While the position is situated within a research environment internationally recognised for Problem-Based Learning (PBL), applicants working within related traditions of inquiry into engineering and STEM education are equally encouraged to apply.

Research and Academic Responsibilities

The professor will be expected to:

• Conduct and lead internationally recognised research in engineering education.
• Advance theoretical, methodological, and empirical scholarship within engineering and STEM education research.
• Contribute to research and educational development related to Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and its role in engineering and professional education, including pedagogical, institutional, digital, sustainable and international dimensions.
• Develop or contribute to research exploring the sustainable development of engineering education, including how programmes and curricula respond to technological and societal transformations.
• Conduct or lead research and capacity-building initiatives related to the professional development of engineering educators, including pedagogical competence, facilitation of student-centred learning, and educational leadership.
• Engage in scholarly work examining engineering education’s role in addressing complex societal challenges — for example within the context of the green transition.
• Provide academic leadership in research group development and strategic research initiatives.
• Initiate and lead externally funded research projects at national and international levels.
  Build and sustain strong international research collaborations and contribute actively to global academic networks in engineering education.
• Supervise and mentor PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics.
• Contribute to teaching and educational development within engineering programmes, including those informed by PBL principles and digitally supported learning models.
• Disseminate research through leading international journals, conferences, scholarly partnerships, among others.
   

Research Environment
The professorship will be embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment focused on educational development and innovation in engineering and professional education. The Aalborg Centre for Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability (UCPBL), established under the auspices of UNESCO, serves as an international hub for research and capacity building in engineering education and educational development. The Centre collaborates globally with universities, organisations, and academic networks to advance research-based educational innovation. The successful candidate is expected to contribute actively to this environment while developing and leading their own research agenda and international collaborations.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must document:

• A distinguished international research record within engineering education or closely related STEM education fields.
• Significant original scientific production at professor level.
• Experience in research leadership, including project direction, group coordination, or programme development.
• A strong record of external research funding.
• Experience in PhD supervision and research mentoring.
• Teaching experience and engagement in educational development within engineering or STEM programmes.
• Demonstrated international collaboration and academic network engagement.

In order to be assessed qualified for the position as Professor you should meet these academic criteria.

Contact
Further information may be obtained from Professor Xiangyun Du, Director of the UNESCO PBL Centre (xiangyun@plan.aau.dk).

About Aalborg University
Aalborg University provides outstanding research and education rooted in real-world problem solving. Ranked among the Top 5 universities worldwide on the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2024, AAU is internationally recognised for its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, mission-driven innovation, and its systemic Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. More than 20,000 students and 3,500 staff work across campuses in Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Esbjerg to advance knowledge for a sustainable future. 

About the Department and the Centre
The Department of Sustainability and Planning conducts research, education, and knowledge exchange in the fields of sustainability, environmental planning, technology, and education. Rooted in Aalborg University’s internationally recognised Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model, the department integrates technical, social, and humanistic approaches to address global and local sustainability challenges.
The UNESCO Centre for Problem-Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability (UCPBL) is a global hub for research, capacity building, and educational transformation. The Centre advances the Aalborg PBL model and promotes sustainable, inclusive, and transformative education worldwide through collaboration with universities, industry, governments, and international partners. Within the UCPBL, the professor will also collaborate closely with the Institute of Advanced Study in PBL (IASPBL), which connects researchers across faculties and disciplines to strengthen research-based educational development at Aalborg University (AAU).

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

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. 

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). 

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.