Offer DescriptionThe Department of Energy at Aalborg University (AAU Energy – Esbjerg) invites applications for a 1-year Research Assistant position (extendable to 2 years) in the EU Horizon-funded SPARK project, starting in September 2026 or soon hereafter.
The 3-year project is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe flagship programme to develop and pilot Stillstrom’s Offshore Power Zone infrastructure in Skagen, Denmark, one of Northern Europe’s busiest anchorage hubs.
The SPARK project will showcase a scalable, reliable, and cost-effective offshore-onshore power supply solution, reaching TRL 8, where the system is fully integrated, has undergone comprehensive qualification testing, and has received formal certification from DNV.
The successful candidate will lead tasks related to load and dynamic response simulations of flexible power cable between two anchored floating bodies under realistic environmental conditions, establishing the design limits for safe, reliable, and cost-efficient design and operation of the offshore power supply system.
Join this exciting academia–industry collaboration to reduce emissions from idling vessels anchored between operations and help shape a scalable solution for the future of maritime decarbonisation.
Your work tasksThe research assistant will be involved in high-fidelity numerical modelling and a comprehensive analysis campaign of flexible power cables considering prevailing design limit states, i.e., fatigue and ultimate load.
The position is offered in the research group "Offshore Renewable Energy Systems", and the research assistant will be positioned in the Esbjerg section of AAU Energy. The expected activities should include:
- Develop the design basis for flexible power cables considering operational and extreme loads and prevailing failure mechanisms such as fatigue, fracture, ultimate strength, biofouling, corrosion, etc.
- Assess the metocean statistics to obtain 50- and 100-year return period load combinations.
- Develop and document high-fidelity numerical models to be analysed under regular and irregular sea states (e.g., coupled hydrodynamic–structural models and/or FEM workflows).
- Develop surrogate models representing the coupled dynamic response of flexible cables to accelerate design optimisation.
- Analyse and quantify model uncertainties and perform global sensitivity analysis.
- Deliver technical reports and contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.
Your competencies
We are seeking candidates who possess at least an MSc degree, preferably a PhD, in Ocean Engineering, Offshore Engineering, Subsea Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong background and demonstrable interest in hydrodynamic numerical modelling are essential. The candidate is expected to have experience with FEM tools, such as OrcaFlex or similar, as well as metocean statistical assessment and design verification principles for marine structures in accordance with international standards and regulatory frameworks.
Further, it would be advantageous for applicants to demonstrate proficiency in at least one scientific programming environment such as Python, MATLAB, or R. A good understanding of hydrodynamic loading, wave–current environments (e.g., wave kinematics, high-order wave theories), and vortex-induced vibration would be highly regarded. Familiarity with contact modelling and structural degradation mechanisms, such as fatigue, fretting, and corrosion, is beneficial.
The ideal applicant will be capable of working independently, efficiently managing their own workload, and collaborating productively within a multidisciplinary team environment. As English is the working language, excellent communication skills are required for technical reporting, producing publications, and delivering presentations.
Who we are
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 Esbjerg 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.
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 work.
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. Aalborg University offers general onboarding support to all new employees, as well as dedicated support for international staff through its International Staff Unit (ISU). You can read more about relocation support and services here: https://www.en.hr.aau.dk/relocation-support
Aalborg University also offers Danish language courses to support international employees in settling into both the workplace and Danish society. International employees typically can attend Danish language courses during their first years in Denmark (depending on individual eligibility and national schemes).
You can read more about AAU Energy at
www.energy.aau.dk.
Qualification requirements
Appointment as a research assistant requires academic qualifications at master's degree 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 potential PhD diploma).
- List of publications. You may attach a maximum of 5 publications (optional).
- Documentation of teaching qualifications (optional).
- 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.
For professional questions, please contact Baran Yeter, basy@energy.aau.dk, +4599409607
- Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews are expected to be held during 07/2026.
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.
