Ph.d. in Learning Strategies for Data Driven Process Control

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production a position as PhD in Learning Strategies for Data Driven Process Control is open for appointment from 1.02.2026 or soon thereafter. The position is available for a period of 3 years.

Your work tasks
We invite applications for a PhD position focused on learning strategies to facilitate dynamic process control in industrial injection moulding using recycled plastics. Variability in material properties of recycled polymers poses significant challenges for consistent product quality. This project aims to develop adaptive control strategies based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) and real-time sensor feedback to dynamically adjust process parameters and recipes. The research will integrate data-driven models, material characterization, and digital twins to predict and compensate for fluctuations in viscosity, moisture content, and thermal behavior.

Your competencies
The successful candidate will design algorithms that enable robust, closed-loop control at industrial scale, ensuring high-quality outputs while maximizing the use of recycled materials. Applicants should have a strong background in process engineering, control theory, or computational modelling, and an interest in sustainable manufacturing and advanced automation. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary setting between material science, operational control and automation and operations management. Experimental work will take place in the material and production lab of the department and will be conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners and will be linked to the operational realities of their supply chains. To navigate such interdisciplinary, it is central that the candidate is open to divers perspectives and inputs.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at *the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science  in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are
The 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 to materials' applications in mechanical construction, industrial production, and management. The department has several strong, international, and innovative research groups that comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applied research. The activities encompass research and education within materials, mechanics, physics, production, and industrial management and innovation.

Several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are being developed through interdisciplinary cooperation, benefiting the industry and additional collaborators. As an employee at the department, you will become part of an international research environment focusing on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

The Department’s activities are supported by world-class laboratories and an important part of the research being done at the department. Specifically in relation to this position we have facilities for synthesis and characterization of materials covering the range from the atomic scale in the cleanroom and materials labs to fabrication of components and devices.

You can read more about AAU Materials and Production at: Department of Materials and Production - Aalborg University.  


How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description
• Other relevant documents

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 Professor, Brian Vejrum Waehrens, e-mail: bvw@mp.aau.dk and phone: +45 29103738


Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

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.

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.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

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) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).