At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from 1st September 2026 or soon hereafter.
The duration of the position is three years.
Your work tasks
A PhD stipend is available in the field of design for circularity in power electronics. The position focuses on modelling and design of power electronics to enhance the reuse and recycling of components, enabling a more circular life cycle. The work will contribute to a new paradigm in the development of power electronics that incorporate disassembly, reuse, and remanufacturing already at the early design stage.
In this role, you will develop power converter integration concepts that support design for disassembly.
Multi-physics simulation tools will be used to analyze the electrical-thermal-mechanical behaviour of different integration and packaging technologies and to assess their impact on system performance and circularity trade-offs, including design optimization. Proof-of-concept validation through hardware prototype development and testing is expected as part of the project.
The position is offered in relation to the project “CirclePE: Circular Power Electronics for Green Transition” and “GRACE: Glass for Reliable and Circular Power Electronics” within the research program " Sustainable Power Electronics and Electrifications " and the PhD Students will be positioned in the section for Applied Power Electronic Systems.
Your competencies
- A master’s degree in Electrical or Energy engineering (or about to complete) with a strong
background in power electronics. - Experience with power electronic design, modelling and simulation tools, and hardware
development - Knowledge of digital control implementation, testing, and characterization of power electronic components is expected
- Experience with multi-physics simulation, reliability and lifetime modelling is considered an
advantage - Familiarity with materials, life cycle assessment, or eco-design in electronic systems is a plus
- Excellent oral and written English language skills.
- Strong collaborative skills, team spirit, yet the ability to work independently
Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions.
According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.
Who we are
AAU Energy is a dynamic and internationally oriented research department at Aalborg University, dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems. Our research spans electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industry and academic partners to address real-world energy challenges.
The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus.
AAU Energy employs approximately 300 staff members from diverse national backgrounds, including 39 technical and administrative staff, and regularly hosts 20-30 guest researchers from around the world.
We offer advanced laboratory and workshop facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
Learn more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
- Project description (4-5 pages), that:
describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. - Other relevant documents
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 assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
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.
Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science
Salary and terms of employment
When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary
and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an
additional 18,07% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated
based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the
main salary.
Read more about pension options here.
At Aalborg University's Doctoral School, engineering PhD students enjoy unique career
development opportunities. These include personalized DISC profile assessments with feedback,
career-focused courses, and networking events with trade unions, employers, and other relevant
parties. Learn more about these initiatives at our Career Hub.
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).
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) (in Danish)
There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.
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.
