Are you ready to establish a critical sustainability research field at a leading Technical University?

If you are an experienced researcher on simulation-based investigations of Circular Economy, Sustainability Transitions or Product/Service Systems and are keen to generate knowledge and capability towards solving the most important global challenges, this is the job for you to thrive.

At DTU Construct, you will contribute to developing a promising innovative research area focused on examining and enabling the most urgent sustainability transitions (e.g., by proactively assessing the potential effects of sustainability-oriented action while preventing unintended consequences that can hinder the initial intentions).

Never before has there been a stronger global focus on solving the pressing sustainability challenges, but the timely and urgent transition will not be achieved unless the right lenses and tools are provided to facilitate decision-making towards enhanced sustainability.

You will have the opportunity to join top interdisciplinary scientists from all over the world and make a personal impact in solving some of the most critical challenges the world is facing.

Modelling, simulating and assessing the potential pathways for sustainability transitions

You will contribute to establishing systems theories and approaches as a critical research and education area at DTU construct. Your focus will be strengthening the department`s competencies in examining sustainability transitions through systemic lenses such as Systems Thinking (ST) and System Dynamics (SD). More specifically, you will focus on employing qualitative modelling and quantitative simulation to enable the examination of the potential consequences of sustainability actions, including investigating unintended consequences such as rebound effects.You will integrate systems theories and approaches into DTU’s research portfolio, science-based advice, and education to generate knowledge and capability to facilitate the transitions to more sustainable systems.

Your primary tasks will include:

Contribute to ongoing research projects and activities around Sustainable Design, Circular Economy, Product/Service-Systems and Rebound Effects
Establish System Thinking (ST) and System Dynamics (SD) as central systemic lenses for examining sustainability transitions at DTU
Engage in science-based advice for public and policy-decision making supported by modelling and simulation
Attract external funding from public and private sources
Publish research results in high-end scientific articles and conferences.
Support with the supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students
Engage in teaching activities

Your new workplace will be DTU’s main campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen.

Experienced researcher on simulation-based investigations of Circular Economy, Sustainability Transitions, Product/Service Systems and Rebound Effects

We are looking for a visionary profile who thrives on turning exciting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. As a Scientist, you can naturally drive things forward on your own. Equally important is that you like creating results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork. As an important new member of our group, you are also expected to both engage in and initiate/lead external funding bids.

As you will work in a highly interdisciplinary group, you must also bring collaboration, critical thinking, and planning skills backed by excellent written and spoken English communication.

As to specific research skills, it is expected you bring experience within one or more of the following areas:

Experience with simulation modelling, preferably System Dynamics
Understanding of Circular Economy, Sustainability Transitions, Product/Service Systems and Rebound Effects
Experience in model-based case studies, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis (incl. primary and secondary)
Ability to conduct high-quality research demonstrated in a successfully completed PhD thesis and an initial set of publications
Ability to perform statistical methods and techniques (incl. sensitivity analysis)

As formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

You must contribute to the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

Research group on Circular Economy and Sustainable Design – your new team

You will directly contribute to a selection of our ongoing projects, where you will play a key scientific role. You will also be an active part of a large research group at DTU Construct focused on Circular Economy and Sustainable Design, within the Section of Engineering Design and Product Development. The group also actively collaborates with the DTU Centre for Absolute Sustainability.

Assessment

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

Research experience
Experience and quality of teaching
Research vision and potential
International impact and experience
Societal impact
Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. Starting date is planned for February 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process here.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Daniela C. A. Pigosso at danpi@dtu.dk. If necessary, we will set up an additional phone call to ensure your understanding of the job and your many opportunities.

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 June 2023 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

Application (cover letter)
Vision for teaching and research for the tenure track period
CV including employment history, list of publications, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.