Postdoc in Problem Based Learning in Engineering Education

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Sustainability and Planning one or more positions as Postdoc in Problem Based Learning in Engineering Education is open for appointment from 1st of August 2025 or soon thereafter. The position is a fixed term (3 years) position and will be based in Aalborg.

The department was established in 1975. Today, we are located in both Aalborg and Copenhagen. We have more than 250 employees and approximately 1,200 students across the two cities. Our research and study programmes are rooted in sustainability and the green transition. This means we conduct research in areas such as the circular economy, technology, urban, energy, and environmental planning, as well as sustainable transition and design. Sustainability is central to our work in environmental assessment and marine management. In surveying and land use, sustainability is reflected in our efforts in nature restoration and climate adaptation. As society continues to develop digitally, we also focus on responsible technology development, addressing real-life challenges. Our problem-oriented approach and close collaboration with businesses and public organisations form the foundation of all our study programmes. Additionally, our engineering programmes are among the best in Europe.

Job description
The main research area will be within the field of problem-based learning (PBL) in engineering education. The position will be affiliated to the Aalborg Centre for Problem Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability under the auspices of UNESCO (UCPBL). The researcher will be primarily working in a cross-disciplinary team of researchers, who are committed to the vision and mission of the Centre (https://www.ucpbl.net/about/). The postdoctoral project is also part of a development project within Institute for Advance Study in PBL (https://www.iaspbl.aau.dk ) within Aalborg University, requesting this researcher to work on this project in collaboration with research from other disciplines and faculties. In concrete, the postdoctoral project have the following aims and expectations:

1. Development and implementation of strategies and practices that increase students' awareness of and active participation in the university's mission-driven innovation activities.
2. Planning, facilitating, and evaluating interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects involving students, academic staff, and external partners.
3. Collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., surveys) to uncover motivational factors and barriers to students' involvement in mission-driven innovation processes.
4. Developing, testing, and evaluating materials and interventions that support the integration of mission-oriented innovation into existing PBL contexts.
5. Disseminating project results through scientific publications, conferences, information campaigns, and other relevant communication channels, both internally at AAU and externally.
6. Active participation in establishing networks and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

A minor portion of the position may involve teaching, including PBL courses, workshops, and consultancy services across all Engineering and Science programs at Aalborg University, spanning various study levels. Furthermore, assist staff training internally at AAU and externally in the Master of Problem Based Learning, the UCPBL certificate programme or tailor-made training courses by request. Knowledge of engineering education and teaching experience from a PBL environment is an advantage. With these expectations, it is preferable that the postdoctoral research has relevant experience of teaching and research in a PBL environment, and familiarity with Danish language and culture.

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. If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement
• 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, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine or guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. 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.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
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.

Contacts

• Sektionsleder Bente Nørgaard:
• Professor Xiangyun Du:
• HR support:

Ansøgningsfrist
01-06-2025

Ref. nummer
2025/120

Afdeling
Department of Sustainability and Planning