About the opportunity
If you are looking to advance your research career while taking a leading role in a major interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and systems transformation, this postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity. At DTU’s Centre for Absolute Sustainability, you will help develop new approaches that enable organisations, technology developers, and policy makers to transform energy and food systems within planetary boundaries while maintaining innovation capacity and competitiveness. Working closely with leading researchers from DTU Construct, DTU Sustain, DTU Energy, DTU Wind, and DTU Food, you will play a central role in coordinating and driving the project forward. In addition to conducting high-impact research, you will contribute to project management activities, facilitate collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders, and provide scientific supervision and day-to-day guidance to an associated PhD candidate.
Salary and benefits
- Salary and terms of employment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff
- 26-month period of employment
- Opportunity to work in a leading international technical university environment
Who can apply?
- A PhD degree in engineering, sustainability, industrial ecology, energy systems, food systems, design engineering, innovation management, transition studies, socio-technical systems, or a related field
- A strong research record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications relevant to the position
- Interest in sustainability transitions and the implementation of sustainability strategies in practice
- Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and proactively while contributing effectively to interdisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate research activities and collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Interest in supervising students and early-career researchers
- Excellent written and spoken English
Required documents
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- A brief statement (maximum 2 pages) describing research interests and motivation for undertaking the postdoctoral position
- Documentation of any relevant scientific publications, project work, thesis work, or professional experience
When to apply
- Application deadline: 21 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
How to apply
- Open the online application link
- Fill out the online application form
- Attach all materials in English combined into one PDF file
Additional information
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research in critical technology subject to special security rules.
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…
- PhD in engineering, sustainability, industrial ecology, or transition studies.
- Proven research record with peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience or interest in supervising PhD candidates and coordinating stakeholders.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role involves a significant amount of project management and coordination across multiple DTU departments.
- The position is a fixed-term 26-month appointment.
- The role is on-site in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a strong fit for a researcher who wants to move beyond independent research to a leading role in systems transformation, focusing on the practical implementation of sustainability strategies for energy and food systems.
Our take
Ideal for experienced PhDs in sustainability or industrial ecology who are ready to take a leading role in coordinating interdisciplinary research and supervising students.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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