About the opportunity
This PhD position at DTU’s Centre for Absolute Sustainability (CfAS) focuses on developing new methods and decision tools that enable energy system developers and policy makers to transform energy technologies within planetary boundaries. Working across DTU Construct, DTU Sustain, DTU Energy, and DTU Wind, the doctoral candidate will create actionable transition pathways, transformation strategies, and implementation frameworks for key energy domains such as wind energy and battery technology.
Salary and benefits
- 3-year full-time employment contract at DTU
- Salary based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Negotiable salary supplements in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff
- Access to relocation support, including monthly Zoom seminars on moving and starting as a PhD in Denmark
Who can apply?
- A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent academic level in engineering, sustainability, industrial ecology, energy systems, design engineering, innovation management, transition studies, socio-technical systems, or a related field
- Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but must receive it before starting the position
- Strong interest in sustainability transitions and practical strategy implementation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- Experience in sustainability assessment, innovation management, transition studies, systems thinking, energy systems modeling, or wind energy technology is an advantage
Required documents
- Cover letter motivating the application
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English, including an official description of the grading scale
- Brief research statement (maximum 2 pages) describing research interests and motivation for the PhD project
- Documentation of relevant scientific publications, project work, thesis work, or professional experience
When to apply
- Application deadline is September 21, 2026, at 23:59 Danish time
- Applications are evaluated continuously, and qualified candidates may be invited for interviews before the deadline
How to apply
- Click the 'Apply Now' link on the official job posting page
- Fill out the online candidate application form
- Combine all required documents in English into one single PDF file and upload it before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is based primarily at DTU Lyngby Campus within DTU Construct, with joint supervision and project activities at DTU Risø Campus
- As DTU conducts research in critical technology subject to security and export control regulations, open-source background checks may be performed on qualified candidates
- Questions about the project may be directed to Professor Tim C. McAloone at tmca@dtu.dk
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Two-year Master's degree in engineering, sustainability, or socio-technical systems.
- Strong interest in sustainability transitions and practical strategy implementation.
- Skills in sustainability assessment, energy systems modeling, or wind energy technology.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site at DTU Lyngby and Risø Campuses.
- Applicants may apply before finishing their degree, but must have the Master's degree in hand before starting.
- Open-source background checks may be performed due to the security of critical technology research.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 3-year fully funded PhD is a perfect starting point for a career in sustainability transformation, providing a chance to work across multiple DTU departments and develop decision tools for policy makers.
Our take
Highly recommended for Master's students in sustainability or energy systems who want to develop actionable transition pathways for wind and battery technology.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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