Postdoc in Data-Driven Modelling and Control for Smart-Grid-Ready Buildings

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The Department of the Built Environment (BUILD) at The Technical Faculty of Engineering and Science invites applications for a position as postdoc in the field of data-driven modelling and control for smart-grid-ready and decarbonized buildings. The position is available from October 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is temporary for 2 years and is based at Aalborg University’s Copenhagen campus.

BUILD employs more than 300 staff across Aalborg and Copenhagen and is internationally known for its interdisciplinary approach to solving complex challenges in the built environment. The department leverages unique research infrastructures and strong collaboration with industry and policymakers to conduct world-leading research that supports the transition towards a sustainable society. You can read more about the department at www.build.aau.dk.

Your work tasks

You will join the Horizon Europe project ENTRANCE, which aims to enable smart-grid-ready and decarbonized buildings by integrating energy efficiency, flexibility, on-site renewables, user empowerment, and interoperability with district heating and electricity grids.

You will contribute to developing and demonstrating digital solutions that enhance the performance and energy flexibility of residential and commercial buildings. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Development of data-driven dynamic models to improve energy flexibility in our pilot cases
• Development of building simulation models supporting energy and indoor climate optimization
• Analysis of building performance data for occupancy detection and predictive modelling
• Development of model predictive control algorithms for energy-efficient and flexible building
• Contribution to prescriptive maintenance strategies and user-centric digital interfaces

The position requires close collaboration with project partners across Europe, as well as contributing to dissemination activities in high-impact journals and conferences.

Your Competencies

We are looking for a motivated researcher with:

• Strong background in control and optimization, preferably with experience in model predictive control (MPC).
• Solid skills in machine learning algorithms and data analysis.
• Experience with building simulation models (e.g., EnergyPlus, IDA ICE or similar).
• Good understanding of building physics
• Proficiency in programming e.g. in MATLAB, Python or similar environments for modelling and data analysis.
• A strong analytical mindset
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken

Qualification requirements

Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are

You will be part of the Research Group for Building Energy Systems and Indoor Environment at BUILD, Aalborg University. The group focuses on optimizing energy performance, flexibility, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort in buildings through advanced technologies, innovative control strategies, and data-driven approaches.

The research group is recognized internationally for its contributions to sustainable building technologies and strong collaborations with industrial stakeholders. We offer access to laboratory facilities, real-world pilot cases, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

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How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications. If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine or guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).