Postdoc in Circular Economy in the context of the Science-based Targes

If you are an experienced researcher within the field of Sustainability and Circular Economy, looking for a thriving work environment with lots of development opportunities, consider joining us at DTU! 

The Postdoc position is part of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU ) current activities in establishing a Centre for Absolute Sustainability. A common methodological platform for technology research is currently being laid for the Centre, to which this Postdoc position will provide important contributions, specifically focused on strategic sustainability implementation. 

By decoupling value creation from resource consumption, Circular Economy (CE) is increasingly seen as an effective approach for supporting industry in the transition towards absolute sustainability at different levels (e.g., business model, product development, value chain management, etc.). More recently, the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi ) emerged as a promising approach for supporting companies to set absolute carbon reduction goals across their entire value chains (incl. Scopes 1, 2 and 3). 

Nevertheless, the current approaches for calculating carbon reduction do not fully consider the impact of the implementation of Circular Economy practices and initiatives, which leads to several challenges in both planning the sustainability transition and accounting for the achievements. This postdoc research aims to develop, test and deploy a methodology for bridging the gap between science-based targets and circular economy practice. 

In addition to the scientific activities, detailed above, the Postdoc will assist with the establishment of the Centre’s industrial and entrepreneurship outreach, both in terms of network activities and continual professional development work. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

You should be highly motivated and self-driven, as well as have a strong work ethic, team spirit and excellent collaboration skills. 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, production engineering or environmental engineering. 

The ideal candidate should have experience with the following: 

• Systematic literature reviewing and theoretical data analysis
• Advanced knowledge on quantitative environmental assessment tools (e.g. LCA) and carbon accounting
• Advanced knowledge of theory on sustainable design, product/service-systems and circular economy
• Knowledge on planetary boundaries, absolute sustainability and the Science-Based Targets
• Advanced experience in scientific writing and publication at international journal level 

Good command of written and spoken English is required, and experience with industrial manufacturing companies and the topic of circular economy is desirable. 

Experience working in interdisciplinary teams is necessary to ensure a strong collaboration with the other colleagues within the centre. 

Application procedure

To apply, please read the full job advertisement at Positions at DTU Mechanical Engineering  

Application deadline:29 April 2022 

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. More information can be found here