Research Assistants in sustainable construction management and innovation

Research Assistants in sustainable construction management and innovation

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of the Built Environment (BUILD) at Aalborg University’s campus in Copenhagen two positions as research assistants in sustainable construction management and innovation is open for appointment from the 1 April 2025 or soon hereafter. The positions are open for a period of 3 years.

Jobbeskrivelse
The Danish construction and real estate industry is undergoing a tremendous sustainable transition that will change its practices, business models and outputs. Sustainable construction management and innovation is crucial for a sustainable and cost-effective transition of projects, portfolios and companies across the entire value chain of architecture, engineering, construction, operations and asset management.

This requires methods and data for a better measurement of how the industry performs in a lifecycle perspective, deeper understanding of the impact of fundamental dynamics of construction on its performance, and development of workable solutions that can support this transition.

To meet the increasing need for research, education and industry collaboration BUILD is looking for two ambitious research assistants within the cross-disciplinary field of sustainable construction management and innovation. The research assistants contribute to research and development projects in the group and assist senior staff and other colleagues with interviews, literature studies, field studies, surveys, data assessment and reporting. Current tasks include, e.g.:

• Developing software for whole life costing of building parts, buildings and urban developments.
• Designing and implementing methods for assessing economic performance in relation to environmental performance throughout the entire lifecycle, including CO2 shadow pricing.
• Collecting and analysing data to understand and measure the creation of value and waste in construction in a lifecycle perspective, including economic performance metrics as well as service lifetimes and maintenance of buildings and products.
• Publish research findings at international conferences and in academic journals.

The positions are open in the Research Group for Management and Innovation for Sustainable Construction in the Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment. The Research Group for Management and Innovation for Sustainable Construction adopts a socio-technical perspective on management and innovation in the built environment. The position requires knowledge on aspects of digitalisation and sustainability as well as insights into the Danish construction industry and property market.

Candidates are expected to have a background within procurement, design, construction, and operation of built facilities, but the position is open to candidates with other backgrounds like economics or computer science, too. Successful candidates must have experience with qualitative as well as quantitative methods.

Candidates with some knowledge on one or more of the following areas will be preferred:

• Sustainable construction e.g. the sustainable certification scheme DGNB
• Construction economics including whole life costing
• Digital data models e.g. classification systems and building information modelling
• Quantitative research methods such as data analytics
• Sociotechnical theories on management and innovation in the built environment

There will be good opportunities for the development of an academic career for the chosen candidates. Candidates should have the ability to work in a team as well as independently. Good communication skills in writing and orally are essential– especially in Danish– in order to facilitate field studies, communicate results and have contact with e.g. Danish authorities and companies. Knowledge on socio-technical and social science theories will be an advantage. If the candidates doesn’t speak Danish, they are expected to acquire Danish language skills and be able to communicate in Danish within three years of employment.

Qualification requirements:
The required level of qualifications is at master level.

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.
• An updated curriculum vitae.
• Copy of relevant diplomas(Master of Science and, if any, PhD) On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. 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.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

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 professional information from research group leader, PhD and senior researcher Kim Haugbølle by phone(+45) 9940 2221, or [email protected].

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact HR support by [email protected]

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.

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

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
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. 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 circular concerning protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities(only in Danish).

Ansøgningsfrist
2025-03-06

Ref. nummer
2025-224-06225

Afdeling
Department of the Built Environment