Assistant Professor in Carbon Capture

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as Assistant Professor in Carbon Capture is open for appointment from 1 February 2026 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is 4 years.

Your work tasks
The position is offered in relation to the CarbonLab research group and will be affiliated with the section for Thermal Engineering. CarbonLab’s mission is to spearhead the development of innovative and energy-efficient thermochemical processes that enable a sustainable, de-fossilized carbon economy. We explore renewable carbon sources and investigate optimal conversion pathways to chemicals and fuels. By integrating carbon derived from biomass, plastic waste, or direct air capture technologies, we aim to provide sustainable carbon products for society and achieve carbon-negative solutions that can help reverse climate change.

We are looking for an Assistant Professor to strengthen our research and education in carbon capture, with a particular emphasis on direct air capture. The position focuses on developing innovative capture concepts that integrate with renewable energy systems. The research will involve experimental work using our advanced laboratory infrastructure and will include multidisciplinary approaches to direct air capture and process integration with Power-to-X systems. This includes combining system modeling with experimental research to create solutions that support the transition to sustainable energy.

In addition to research, the Assistant Professor is expected to take on teaching responsibilities primarily in chemical thermodynamics, process optimization, and thermal systems modeling, and supervise students at both bachelor and master level. The Assistant Professor is also expected to contribute to student recruitment; experience with teaching at upper secondary programs (e.g., STX, HTX) will be considered an advantage.

Your competencies
We are looking for candidates with solid skills in experimental research and system modeling (e.g., MATLAB, Aspen+ or similar), combined with the ability to work across disciplines. Strong collaboration skills and the capacity to contribute to a dynamic research environment are highly valued. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate research effectively, both orally (e.g., through seminars and conferences) and in writing (e.g., through peer-reviewed publications and reports). The ideal candidate is motivated to develop new concepts for direct air capture and to engage actively in both research and teaching activities. Experience with organizing symposiums, workshops, and networking activities will be considered an asset.

We value scientific curiosity and creativity. You should be able to work independently while contributing actively to collaborative projects, as our research thrives on interdisciplinary teamwork. Candidates should have competencies in conducting experimental research in carbon capture, for example through liquid absorption in scrubber units, solid adsorption in breakthrough columns, or passive capture concepts. We also seek candidates who can combine experimental research with system modeling and apply strong analytical skills to translate complex concepts into practical solutions.

A strong research profile within carbon capture technologies, preferably with experience in direct air capture and process integration, is required. Experience with university-level teaching and a commitment to innovative teaching methods are expected. Since teaching at bachelor level is part of the position, Danish language skills will be positively evaluated. If Danish is not currently mastered, candidates must demonstrate a willingness to learn.

On a personal level, we value openness, a collaborative mindset, and a proactive approach to scientific challenges. Candidates should be comfortable sharing ideas and engaging in constructive dialogue with colleagues and students. A genuine interest in mentoring students and fostering an inclusive academic environment will be considered an advantage. 

Qualification requirements
Appointment as Assistant Professor requires academic qualifications at PhD level. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment.

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 five publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine. 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).