Associate Professor in Biorefining (2022-224-04540)

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as Associate Professor in Bioenergy and Bioproducts Research Group, is open for appointment from 1st February 2023 or soon hereafter.

Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. Aalborg University educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community. 

AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is in Esbjerg. 

The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world. 

Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent. 

Job description

The position is offered in relation to the research group Bioenergy and Bioproducts.

Research areas include biomass processing and fractionation, process design and modeling, and green biocides and corrosion inhibitors development. The candidate must be able to demonstrate their experience with:

•Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, organic waste, and halophytes

•Performing extraction experiments and familiarity with solvent extraction, pyrolysis, wet oxidation, hydrothermal treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and microbial fermentation 

•Chemical characterization of the biomass using e.g. HPLC, LC-MSMS, GC-MS 

•Developing processes to target high-value compounds from biomass and developing pretreatment processing for high-value products extraction and isolation 

•Biorefinery design and modeling to determine the best biomass conversion processes using tools such as SuperPro Designer, Aspen Plus, etc.

•Anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and biogas production  

•Extraction of bioactive compounds to produce green chemicals and corrosion inhibitors for inhibition of microbiologically influenced corrosion

•Utilizing anaerobic bioreactor tests, pitting corrosion analysis, microbial community sequencing, and chemical characterization (HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS) to investigate green biocide efficacy 

Teaching responsibilities will be at both bachelors and masters level, in the Bachelor Programme in Energy Engineering and the Master Programme in Bioengineering, and Masters in Sustainable Energy Engineering, but potentially also in other study programs of the university. Teaching will comprise of both, course teaching and student project supervision. Experience with mentoring and supervising Masters and PhD students is beneficial. Qualification in pedagogical teaching and experience with problem and project based learning is desired.

In addition to research and teaching qualification, the applicant must demonstrate a record of publishing peer-reviewed research and demonstrate experience with writing research grants. Additionally, evidence of excellent communication skills, both written and oral, documentation for the ability to work with international colleagues and to conduct interdisciplinary research is necessary. Participation in outreach activities, demonstrated leadership ability in outreach and research, and applied research techniques to the area described above are desirable. 

You may obtain further professional information from Professor Mette Hedegaard Thomsen, AAU Energy, phone: 93562196, email: [email protected]  

Read more about AAU at www.aau.dk.

Read more about the AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk. 

Qualification requirements: 

The level of qualification for Associate Professors shall correspond to the level, which can be achieved on the basis of the appointment as Assistant Professor, but may be achievable in other ways. The appointment presupposes that the applicant can demonstrate original scientific production at an international level as well as documented teaching qualifications. Appointment to the position requires that both research and teaching qualifications are at the requested level. The two qualifications will be given equal and principal priority in the overall assessment.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 10 publications.
• Teaching qualifications described in the teaching portfolio.  If this is not enclosed the applicant must include an explanation for its absence.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position.
• References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

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

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.

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 Mathilde Vestergaard HR-Servicecentre EST by mail [email protected] 

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.

2022-224-04540

30/09/2022