Postdoc in Life Cycle Assessment of PtX-based Marine Fuels and Circular Economy for the Textile Industry for Industrial Decision Support on Sustainability

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a postdoctoral position engaged in two distinct research projects: one focusing on circular economy strategies for fiber recycling, and the other on sustainable fuel alternatives for marine transport. Both projects provide decision support for the green transition strategies of the Danish industry.

The position is available from 01 February 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Creating and paving the road to a sustainable future for the Danish industry requires holistic insight and understanding of the long-term interactions of technologies and other systems on a global scale. Our goal is to develop the knowledge and methods for achieving this insight in close collaboration with the industry, thus creating a supportive joint venture to facilitate the green transition.

We offer the opportunity to work on cross-disciplinary projects within the areas of sustainable use and recycling of fossil materials, organizational environmental footprint, and dynamic application of LCA.
Candidates are required to have a proven track record in LCA and at least one of the following fields:

• Circular economy
• Industrial ecology

The postdoc is funded by two projects, DECOUPLE and MAT-Fuels. The tasks SDU LCE is responsible for in both projects demand extensive LCA knowledge and experience.

SDU Life Cycle Engineering

SDU Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE) conducts unique research in system analysis, assessment, and systems integration. The research at SDU LCE focuses on Environmental System Analysis, including Material Flow Analysis (MFA), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Energy System Analysis (ESA), Industrial Ecology (IE), and Economic and Socio-Economic Assessment (SEA). By applying and further developing these methods, SDU LCE aims to understand and characterize the sustainability of socio-economic developments, including societal infrastructure development, urban development, and the technological development of industrial and transport systems. SDU LCE actively participates in international research communities related to Quantitative Sustainability Assessment and Industrial Ecology.

SDU LCE is primarily externally funded and engaged in numerous strategic research projects supported by various sources, including EU projects, national strategic research and innovation projects, privately funded projects, and NGO projects.

The education and teaching portfolio at SDU LCE covers a broad range of technology and science courses related to these research areas. SDU LCE is responsible for SDU's Master's program in Environmental Engineering and is involved in both the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Energy Technology and Integrated Design and Sustainable Product Development. For more information about LCE, please visit www.sdu.dk/lifecycle.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must hold a PhD degree or similar qualifications in the field of Life Cycle Engineering. A good track record of research and scientific publications, and if applicable a record of attracting research funding, are required. Experience in conducting project funded research and well-developed communication skills is considered core competencies. 

Fluency in English is required for this position, and the ability to communicate in Danish is an advantage, but not a precondition.

Conditions of Employment

This is a full-time position for 32 months, with time divided between the two projects. Employment terms will be based on the relevant labor market agreement, and the salary is negotiable. 

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.  

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation. 

For more information about the position, please contact the Head of SDU LCE, Professor Morten Birkved, at tel.: +45 9350 7125 or email: [email protected].

Application deadline: 12 December 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).

Assessment and selection process 

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  

Interviews and tests may be part of the process. 

Application procedure 

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering. 

An application must include:

• An application letter including a statement of motivation.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Evidence of research experience and research ideas (see below).
• List of publications, including examples of the most relevant publications (3-4 publications). These publications should be marked in the list of publications and enclosed.
• Certificates/Diplomas (any relevant Master's degree, PhD degree, or other relevant certificates) – Danish or English transcripts.

If applicable, an application may further include 

• Evidence of experience in teaching/student supervision (i.e. teaching portfolio).

Formalities 

According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to an academic position before it can be filled. 

Documents must not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 

The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.  

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. 

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information. 

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering. 

Apply for the position at www.sdu.dk.