Assistant Professor in Participatory Design for Sustainable Computing (2023-224-05189)

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Planning, a three-year fixed-term position as Assistant Professor in Participatory Design for Sustainable Computing is open for appointment from August 1st, 2023, or soon hereafter. The position as Assistant Professor is based in the Techno-Anthropology and Participation (TAPAR) research group at the Department of Planning and in the Technical Faculty of IT and Design Center for Sustainable and Digital Transformation (TECH4SDT). As an Assistant Professor, you are expected to develop your own research agenda within the broad field of participatory design for sustainable computing and contribute to teaching in the Department of Planning’s bachelor and master’s programmes. The position will be based in Aalborg. At Department of Planning, we have about 200 employees located at the Aalborg and Copenhagen campus. The department provides excellent research and teaching in the field of planning, technology, and society to create a more sustainable future. We are interdisciplinary in the technical, natural, and social science disciplines and present a unique combination of social and technological understanding where digital and technological solutions merge with the needs of society. Our research creates the foundation for educating the young people of tomorrow, and as part of Aalborg University, the department rests on a socially engaging and problem-oriented strategy. Our educations are aimed at a job market and a society with increasing focus on technology, digitization, sustainability, and partnerships for a sustainable transition.

As an Assistant Professor, you will develop an independent research agenda that connects a series of challenges related to the promotion of Sustainable and Digital Transformation in accordance with the UN sustainable development goals. The research could include recent concepts in participatory and co-design, relating digital technologies and sustainability, as well as professional interaction and participatory design practices. Research topics could include digital platforms, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, platform cooperatives, digital commons, and the relation between participatory design practices and institutions. In particular, applicants with expertise within participatory design, interaction design, and sustainable interaction design are encouraged to apply.

Aalborg University commits to Problem-based learning (PBL) and as an Assistant Professor, you will contribute to the teaching of the Department of Planning’s bachelor and master’s programmes, especially the interdisciplinary bachelor (in Danish) and master (in English) programmes in Techno-Anthropology. Knowledge of Danish or another Scandinavian language is therefore an advantage. Alternatively, you should be willing to learn Danish within the first two years of employment.

Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in participatory design, human-computer interaction, critical design, or related fields and engage with qualitative research methods. The Assistant Professor is expected to contribute to the life and administration of the TECH4SDT centre. Research is expected to focus on substantial aspects that are influencing participatory design methods such as socio-ecological relations, SDGs, and artificial intelligence. Substantial aspects can be linked to process-oriented aspects including participation of marginalized groups, connecting global, international, national, and local communities into a more sustainable future. Experiences in national and international projects will be highly valued.

You may obtain further professional information from Associate Professor Tom Børsen, [email protected] .

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.

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. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment 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.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact Søren Kjelst Klausen by mail [email protected] or phone (+45) 99 40 39 39.

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.

2023-224-05189

29/03/2023