One or more MADE Postdoc positions in resilient manufacturing systems

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production one or more positions as postdoc in technology and solutions for resilient manufacturing are open for appointment from 01.09.2025 or soon thereafter. The duration of the positions is 3 years.

Project Description

The positions will be part of the MADE REACT research project, focusing on the design and operation of resilient manufacturing systems and factories. Global disruptions force manufacturers to pursue resilience in both their supply chain and inside their factories and manufacturing systems. The positions focus on in-factory resilience, addressing all manufacturing levels from individual processes to entire manufacturing systems. The positions will all focus on factory and line level, where three research topics are defined:

1) Conceptual design principles and methods for resilient manufacturing systems. This topic will build upon existing theory on modular and reconfigurable manufacturing systems and develop methods and model-based approaches to design and evaluate resilient reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The methods will be co-developed and validated with several industrial cases.  

2) Resilient planning, scheduling and operations of complex systems. This topic will pursue integrated, holistic planning and scheduling to optimize resilience across several factory systems. Development of AI-based tools and complex simulation systems is expected to be a core contribution.

3) IT and OT control structures to enable quick and seamless adaptation and recovery. This topic will pursue a vendor-independent IT, OT and control framework for resilient manufacturing system, allowing seamless cross-vendor integration with generalized asset management and control.

Each position will have a focus on only one of these research topics. However, collaboration between topics and between postdocs and/or other academic employees is required.

Limited teaching within the area can be expected, but also in other study programmes at the University. 

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 ideal candidate has:

• A strong background in manufacturing engineering, management engineering, operations management, robotics, industrial engineering, computer science or similar
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Additional qualifications that will be considered advantages:

• Experience in software development, control of production systems, manufacturing systems, simulation or AI-based systems.
• Prior experience working with industrial partners or in industrial settings
• Publications in relevant academic journals or conferences

Research Environment

The positions are within the Robotics and Automation Group and the Mass Customization Group. The project (MADE REACT) is co-funded by industrial partners, and close collaboration with LEGO, Danfoss, Grundfos, Novo Nordisk and/or Velux will be an integrated part. Furthermore, as REACT is part of the MADE (Manufacturing Academy of Denmark) research and innovation network, the positions will be closely linked to fellow researchers at other Danish universities through both academic and social events. You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a vibrant research community.

About the department

Department of Materials and Production (MP) is a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department's mission is to meet the future's demands for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials' applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production, and management.
The Department has several strong, international, and innovative research groups which comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applicable research. The activities encompass research as well as education within materials, mechanics, physics, production technique, and industrial management and innovation.
Benefitting the industry and additional collaborators several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are developed through interdisciplinary co-operations. Thereby, as an employee at the department, you will become a part of an international research environment, where the focus is on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time position for 3 years
• Competitive salary and pension plan according to Danish regulations
• Comprehensive health insurance and social security coverage
• Research and travel budget for conferences and research stays
• Opportunity for teaching experience and supervision of student projects

International Relocation Support

AAU's International Staff Unit (ISU) provides comprehensive support for international employees relocating to Denmark, including:

• Assistance with residence and work permits
• Registration with Danish authorities
• Guidance on housing, banking, and insurance
• Support for accompanying family members through the AAU +1 spouse and partner network
• Danish language courses

Diversity Statement

Aalborg University is committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, age, nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

Working and living in Aalborg and Denmark

The city of Aalborg is lively with a wide variety of music and cultural events, top notch restaurants, fresh air and easy access to natural parks, forests, and great beaches.  
Information about life in Denmark in general, health care, tax etc. can be found at the International Staff Unit page  https://www.isu.aau.dk/ and  https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/

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 - both in english).
• 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.

Assessment
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.

Contact information

You may obtain further information from Associate Professor, Casper Schou, Department of Material and Production, Phone: +45 20868884, Email: cs@mp.aau.dk concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact HR Support by mail est-ef-hr@adm.aau.dk. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

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).