One or more Postdocs in Mechanical and Material Science Engineering – New Composite Recycling and Manufacturing Concepts for Next-Generation Wind Turbine Blades (2023-224-05694)

Job description

The postdoc positions are part of the EU Horizon Europe projectMADE4WIND- Innovative circular materials and design methods for the development of Floating Wind Turbine components for offshore Wind Farms of the future. The MADE4WIND project aims to develop and test innovative components' concepts for a 15MW offshore Floating Wind Turbine(FWT) consisting of new designs and manufacturing techniques for blades, substructure, and drivetrain.

Partners behind the MADE4WIND project consist of international and world-leading experts gathered from research institutions, material suppliers, and wind turbine manufacturers.

The overall topics for the open postdoc positions within the MADE4WIND project deal with development of new wind turbine blade technologies enabling lighter, cost-effective, and recyclable wind turbine blades in the future. New concepts for blade manufacturing processes using preform technology will be explored and matured together with the development of new blade recycling processes enabling recycling and reuse of fibre reinforcement materials from end-of-life composite structures. We will cover conceptual design, process modelling, experimental characterization, as well the establishment of lab-scale demonstrators of the developed blade technologies.

The postdoc positions will join the CraCS research group at Aalborg University headed by Associate Professor Esben Lindgaard and Associate Professor Brian LV Bak, and currently consisting of 10 researchers(professors, postdoc researchers, Ph.D. students). Several researchers besides the open postdoc positions will work on the MADE4WIND project and the main supervisor for both postdoc positions will be Associate Professor Esben Lindgaard.

It is expected that the applicants for the postdoc positions will focus their application on either composite blade recycling technologies or on blade manufacturing technology using preforms.

The ideal candidate focusing on composite recycling technologies has documented skills within the following domain-specific areas: composite material science, experimental characterization of fibrous materials, polymer and composite recycling processes, fibre fabric handling and processing, and development of new experiments and associated data reduction schemes. The ideal candidate focusing on blade manufacturing technologies using preforms has documented skills within the following domain-specific areas: composite materials and manufacturing, wind turbine blade manufacturing, process modelling of composite manufacturing, finite element analysis, damage and fracture mechanics, experimental mechanics, programming, development of test methods, fixtures, and data reduction schemes based on advanced instrumentation. We do expect that some of these skills will have to be learned during the project and thus it is not required to have all the skills listed. At the time of starting in the postdoc position, the candidate must have obtained a PhD degree.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Are self-driven and good at managing your own time
• Have good problem-solving skills related to laboratory work
• Have an excellent analytical mindset
• Have good collaborative skills
• Have high academic competencies

Please describe how you fit these personality characteristics, preferably with examples demonstrating this. A Good level in oral and written English is required.

Supervision and teaching tasks within the general area of mechanical engineering can be expected, where a detailed understanding of the Problem Based Learning(PBL) methodology from AAU is required.

You will join a research group with several Ph.D. students, postdoc researchers, and professors, which gives excellent opportunities for inspiration, sparring, and academic discussions. We have a friendly and supportive working environment, believing this is the best way to ensure world-class scientific results.

The position includes a competitive salary where university fees and potential course participation fees are fully covered. The project also covers the cost associated with traveling, participation in scientific conferences, and external meeting and research stays outside Denmark. All relevant IT and laboratory costs associated with the tasks to be carried out in the position are also covered. When employed in Denmark, you are covered by Danish health insurance. We can also provide guidance on how to re-locate to Aalborg, Denmark.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please send them to Associate Professor Esben Lindgaard via [email protected] .

The application must be written in English and must include the following:

• A cover letter describing the motivation for applying to the position.
• A Curriculum Vitae including education qualifications, research and industrial experience, awards and fellowships, any additional scientific achievements.
• If you are currently in a Ph.D. position, you should provide a letter describing when you expect to complete your Ph.D. and obtain your PhD degree.
• A list of publications including reference to your Ph.D. thesis.
• A copy of the Master’s certificate(or equivalent)
• An official transcript of the completed subjects and grades achieved in the course of the Master’s programme

We will inform you shortly after the application deadline if you are invited to a job interview.

Qualification requirements: 

Appointment as Postdoc 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 a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

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 5 publications.
• 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 Hanne Skovrider by [email protected] . Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seenhere.  

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.