Full Professor in Polymer Science and Engineering

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University (AAU), a position as Full Professor in Plastic and Polymer Science and Engineering is available from November 1st, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Materials and Production is currently strengthening its research activities within plastic materials science and engineering and hereby invites applications from candidates with a strong, independent research profile at the forefront of synthesis, characterization, and recycling of plastic materials. We are seeking a material scientist to develop and advance innovative research programmes within plastics and polymer science - including synthesis, characterization, and recycling of polymeric materials – with a proven track record of translating research into industrial applications.

AAU offers access to advanced laboratory facilities for materials synthesis and characterization as well as the opportunity to collaborate with excellent internationally recognized research groups engaged in cutting-edge work on sustainable polymer materials and plastics recycling, functional polymer materials and high-performance polymer-based composite materials.

The Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University is a diverse and dynamic environment for research and education. The mission of the department is to address future demands for new materials and production systems by covering the entire value chain—from fundamental materials understanding to their application in mechanical engineering, industrial production, and management. The department has several international recognized, and innovative research groups that comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applied research. The activities encompass research and education within materials, mechanics, physics, production, and industrial management and innovation. As an employee at the department, you will become part of an international research environment focusing on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

The activities of the department are supported by world-class laboratories which are an important part of the research activities. Specifically, in relation to this position we have facilities for synthesis and characterization of materials covering the range from the atomic scale in the cleanroom and materials labs to fabrication of components and devices.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Lead research in the field of plastics and polymer science and engineering.
• Actively contribute to the department activities by developing innovative research and teaching at the interfaces between materials science, physics, and engineering.
• Strengthen and promote departmental collaboration across AAU within plastic processing, modification, synthesis, recycling, and circular plastic economy.
• Initiate and lead collaboration with national and international academic and industrial partners to bring solutions to real world implementation/impact.
• Develop and manage a research group with focus on plastics and secure external funding to realize your research vision.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and science.
• Teach relevant courses in the course portfolio and supervise BSc, MSc, PhD students, mentor postdocs, and assistant professors.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the plastic and polymer research and teaching programs of the department.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Expertise in plastic and polymer synthesis, analysis, and processing.
• Strong engineering and scientific skills within plastic recycling and proven industrial implementation of advanced analytical technology.
• Proven ability to attract larger research grants from national and international programs to address both foundational and applied scientific projects.
• Experience in management of interdisciplinary research projects focused on polymer science and engineering
• Besides strong chemical, plastic, and polymer sciences and engineering skills a general and broad experience within e.g. mechanics, electronics, programming, and advanced statistical data processing is expected.
• Documented track record in teaching and leading courses within e.g. materials science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering.
• The capacity to foster a creative, inspiring and innovative research environment through knowledge-sharing, and engagement with peers, students, and stakeholders in the private sector.

Qualification requirements
Applicants must be able to document a high degree of original academic production at an international level and experience from teaching at different levels. Including tests/exams, course/study programme management as well as contributions to the development of teaching activities and teaching material.

Emphasis is placed on the extent, to which the applicant, has developed the academic discipline from a research and teaching perspective.

Emphasis may moreover be placed on the applicant’s ability to carry out and develop research-based public-sector consultancy. Also, emphasis will be placed on an assessment of the applicant’s ability to perform research and teaching management tasks and possibly fulfil other functions, for example in relation to the university’s external cooperation.

Emphasis will also be placed on the applicant's ability to undertake pedagogical supervision, supervision and academic assessment work.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research impact and experience, funding track record, and research vision.
• International impact and experience.
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills
• Experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development

At Aalborg University, our philosophy of teaching is the world-renowned Aalborg model of problem-based learning (PBL). Documented experience with this learning approach is considered an advantage but is not a prerequisite.

You can read more about AAU Materials and Production at: Materials and Production

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at AAU at: International Staff Unit

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.

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.

Contacts

• Head of Department Jens Christian Moesgaard Rauhe: +4599409329,

Ansøgningsfrist
11-09-2025

Ref. nummer
2025/358

Afdeling
Department of Materials and Production