Assistant Professor in Construction Informatics (2021-224-03566)

<p>At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of the Built Environment (BUILD), a position as Assistant Professor in Construction Informatics is open for appointment from September 1, 2021 or soon hereafter. The position is available for a period of four year. The position is located in Copenhagen.</p>

Digitalisation is one of the major fundamental drivers of change towards the societal aims of improved productivity and sustainability in the Danish architectural, engineering, construction and operations industry. Digital data models and common data environments play a prominent role in framing as well as realising the potential of digitalisation. However, the application of a very large set of different digital tools in the procurement, design, construction, and operation of built facilities continue to pose major challenges towards linking and sharing data across technologies, integrating tools and data models, and reshaping existing work processes. In addition, the competences and experience regarding information and communication technologies of the various parties involved in the life cycle processes of built facilities is very diverse especially with regard to smaller and medium-sized companies.

The adoption of open standards and open data formats are crucial strategies towards establishing common data environments and ensuring interoperability across the various tools, actors and phases of the lifecycle of built facilities. The move towards interoperable data models and common data environments is in particular very complex and challenging from both a technical and organisational perspective. Hence, it is paramount not only to understand the digital technologies in themselves, but also their organisational ramifications and effects in practice on the life cycle process of built facilities.

To meet the increasing need for research, education and industry collaboration BUILD is looking for an assistant professor within the field of construction informatics. The applicant will contribute to improving our understanding of the role of interoperability in data flows among the various actors in the lifecycle of built facilities as these processes occur ‘in practice’.

The position is open in the Research Group for Construction Management and Innovation at the Section of Building Technology and Management. The Research Group for Construction Management and Innovation adopts a socio-technical perspective on management and informatics in the built environment.

The position includes research, teaching, government consultancy, business collaboration, dissemination activities, and development of research proposals for national and international funding in the field of construction management and informatics. The applicant will contribute to the teaching and supervision activities in the research group, particularly at the Master of Science programme held in Danish ‘Ledelse og Informatik i Byggeriet’ (Construction Management and Informatics). but also in other study programmes at the University.The focal point in the master programme is digitalisation and transition processes in the procurement, design, construction, and operation of built facilities.

BUILD has a wide network both nationally and internationally, and research is usually conducted in collaboration with the industry, organisations, and authorities. A position at BUILD offers significant opportunities to influence the built environment through government consultancy, SBi Guidelines, business collaboration, teaching, and research dissemination. The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic research environment, where the focus is on knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration on technical and social science assignments.

You may obtain further professional information from Research Director Ruut Peuhkuri by mail [email protected]   or phone (+45) 9940 2367.
Qualification requirements

Appointment as an Assistant Professor presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment.

Candidates should have a strong background in informatics, and have documented research experience within one or more of the following areas:

• Data models e.g. classification systems and building information modelling
• Common data environments, in particular with regard to interoperability in the industry
• Methods for analysis of data processes and integration e.g. unified modelling language or structured analysis and design
• Quantitative research methods such as data analytics
• Knowledge and experience on sociotechnical theories to understand and explore management and informatics in the built environment

Candidates with a background within procurement, design, construction, and operation of built facilities will be preferred, but the position is open to candidates with other backgrounds.

It is an advantage if the candidates have experience in:

• Developing software systems
• Disseminating research findings at conferences, workshops, or at similar public or research events
• Facilitating collaboration with participants from academia, public authorities, and private companies and organisations
• Teaching activities, including preparation of and carrying out lectures, supervision, and examinations at a university level
• Writing research proposals for Danish and international funding programs

Appointment as an Assistant Professor cannot exceed a period of four years in total in a temporary position (appointment at Assistant Professor level cannot exceed a period of eight years in total in Denmark).

The application must contain the following: 

• A statement outlining your reasons for applying, and intentions and visions with, the position.
• Your curriculum vitae, including personal data, educational background, scientific qualifications, dissemination skills, participation in committees and boards, and additional qualifications relevant for the position.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• A complete list of publications.
• Publications you wish to be considered by the assessment committee. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• A specification of your teaching qualifications relative to the teaching portfolio. If this is not enclosed you must include an explanation for its absence.
• References/recommendations.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force, teaching portfolio and procedures can be seen here   

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.

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03/08/2021