At AAU Energy, a position as Postdoc in thermo-mechanical modelling and experimental study of
ferroelectric and thermoelectric devices is open for appointment from 01 August 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position is available for a period of 2 years and is based at Aalborg University’s campus in Aalborg.
You will be part of the research group Applied Smart Materials for Energy Innovations (ASMEi) which is placed in the section for Thermal Engineering. The position is closely connected to our activities within self-charging batteries for a sustainable future, and your work will contribute to the development of new knowledge within this field.
Your work tasks
In this position you will conduct research within multi-physics simulations and experimental validation of innovative ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric energy harvesting concepts, with a particular focus on self-charging vibrational batteries. You will be involved in both independent and collaborative research activities in close interaction with colleagues in the group and external partners in Denmark and abroad.
You will work with the design and execution of research studies, the analysis and interpretation of data, and the dissemination of results in high-quality scientific outlets. Your daily work will typically involve a combination of independent research and collaboration in project teams, where you help develop concepts, methods and solutions that are relevant for the energy sector.
In particular, you will be involved in design, modelling, laboratory test, and optimization of energy
harvesting technologies e.g., ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric, for various innovative
applications.
You will be expected to contribute to scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and to present your work at conferences, workshops and meetings with partners. You will collaborate with researchers across the department and, where relevant, with industrial or public stakeholders. The position may include a limited amount of teaching and supervision of students at bachelor’s and master’s level, for example in the form of project supervision or involvement in courses related to your expertise. Depending on project needs, you may also take part in preparing applications for external research funding and in supporting the development of new research directions at the department.
Your competencies
You hold a PhD degree in Mechanical or Energy Engineering or can document equivalent scientific
qualifications at PhD level. Your research profile is clearly connected to vibrational and thermal energy harvesting devices and systems, and you can demonstrate experience with thermo-electro-mechanical modeling, and ferroelectric based energy harvesting design.
You have solid skills in modelling and simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics, experimental work in laboratory environments, programming in MATLAB, and data processing and analysis and you are comfortable working systematically with complex technical problems. Experience with preparation of research and innovation proposals, where your results and ideas contribute to shaping new project applications and future activities in the group, will be an advantage, as will a documented ability to publish in international journals. It will be appreciated that the candidate’s approach to research and teamwork is characterized by an open and inclusive mindset.
You communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing, and you can present your work to both specialists and non-specialists. If you already speak Danish or would like to learn it, this will be an asset in everyday life at the university and in Danish society, and language courses are available locally.
Who we are
You are motivated by working in an international academic environment, where you collaborate closely with colleagues, share knowledge and contribute actively to joint projects, while also managing your own tasks in a structured and responsible way. You are curious, open to feedback and able to move projects forward from idea to concrete results within agreed deadlines.
AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments 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 around 250 staff members at different career stages and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching, which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate.
The section of Thermal Engineering leverages state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and expertise in
modelling, simulation, optimization, and testing of advanced energy systems. This makes us a key player in both national and international research initiatives. ASMEi research group focuses on utilizing smart materials for conversion of CO2 into renewable fuel, and for enabling sensors, actuators and predictive maintenance in energy systems self-powered and autonomous. We contribute to design, modelling, and fabrication of energy harvesting concepts and energy conversion technologies for generation of electrical energy from thermal, vibrational, light and kinetic sources of energy.
We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters.
You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.
Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
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 five publications.
- Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
- 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.
For professional questions, please contact Alireza Rezaniakolaei, E-mail: alr@energy.aau.dk, Phone: +4521370284.
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).
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.
