Associate Professor in Functional Materials Chemistry

Do you want to develop functional materials that contribute to sustainable energy and chemical-conversion technologies? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our position as Associate Professor.

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a position as Associate Professor in Functional Materials Chemistry is open for appointment from 1 March 2027 or soon hereafter.

Your work tasks

You will conduct internationally competitive research in functional materials chemistry, with emphasis on materials for energy, environmental, optical, electronic, catalytic, separation, or related technologies. The research should focus on partially disordered and/or fully disordered amorphous (glass) materials, including metal-organic frameworks, coordination compounds, porous materials, nanoparticles, hybrid materials, or other relevant classes of functional materials.

An important element of the position is the development of relationships among material synthesis, processing, nanoscale structure, and functional properties and performance. You are therefore expected to combine advanced materials synthesis with appropriate structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, thermal, mechanical and/or computational characterization. Experience with X-ray synchrotron and/or neutron based methods, including in situ and operando characterization, will be considered particularly relevant.

The position includes research-based teaching and course development within chemical engineering and chemistry at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. You will also supervise student projects and theses within these areas.

The position is affiliated with the Section of Disordered Materials, with the aim to strengthen the section’s research in functional disordered materials for sustainable energy and chemical-conversion technologies. Relevant application areas may include energy storage and conversion, selective separation and adsorption, electrochemical or photochemical conversion of CO2, production of renewable fuels and chemicals, or other processes supporting a transition towards more sustainable use of energy and resources.

You will be expected to establish and develop an independent research program, publish results in internationally recognized scientific journals, attract external research funding, and build collaborations across disciplines and institutions. You will contribute actively to joint research activities within the Section and develop collaborations with relevant national and international research environments as well as, where appropriate, industrial partners.

Your competencies

You hold a PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, nanoscience, or another closely related field. You have established an independent research profile at a high international level within functional materials chemistry, supported by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, scientific collaboration, and external funding. Documented experience with participating in collaborative projects, supervising early-career researchers, and developing national or international research networks will be viewed favorably.

You have documented expertise in the synthesis and characterization of functional materials and in relating structural features to material properties. Experience with disordered materials, catalysis, in situ and operando characterization, and/or computational modeling will be considered an advantage. Applicants are not expected to cover all these areas, but the successful candidate’s research profile should complement and strengthen the section’s existing activities. Experience with innovation and translating fundamental research into technological or societal value will also be considered an advantage.

You have documented teaching experience at university level and the ability to teach and supervise students in relevant chemical engineering, chemistry and materials science subjects. You are committed to developing engaging, research-based teaching and to contributing to an inclusive learning environment in which students take responsibility for their own learning.

You communicate clearly in written and spoken English and can collaborate effectively across disciplinary, institutional, and cultural boundaries. We expect you to contribute constructively to a collegial research environment, share knowledge and infrastructure, and support the scientific development of students and colleagues. The successful applicant is also expected to contribute to departmental service, public dissemination, and the continued development of the department’s research and educational activities.

Qualification requirements
Appointment as an associate professor requires research and teaching qualifications at the level that can be achieved through the satisfactory completion of a period of employment as an assistant professor but may also be obtained in other ways.  

It is a precondition that applicants have documented research at an international standard. In addition, applicants are assumed to have received supervision and pedagogical skills development and to have obtained a positive written assessment of their teaching qualifications.

Career development and promotion programme
The successful candidate may be offered the opportunity to participate in Aalborg University’s Programme for Promotion to Professor. Admission to the programme is subject to a separate assessment and selection process. Read more about the Programme for Promotion to Professor at AAU here; Programme for Promotion to Professor at AAU.

Candidates considered for the promotion programme are expected to meet the following criteria:

• The candidate is a research and teaching talent, is among the leading researchers within their field, and has the potential to reach the highest international level in their area of expertise.
• The candidate has a groundbreaking and original research idea.
• The candidate can document exceptionally strong achievements in research and teaching.
• The candidate can document experience with externally funded research.
• The candidate is expected to meet the criteria for permanent appointment as professor at Aalborg University upon completion of the promotion programme.
• In addition, the candidate is expected to acquire proficiency in Danish over time.

Who we are

At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

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 ten publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, 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. 

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. The successful applicant is expected, with support from the university, to acquire Danish language skills over time and to be able to contribute to teaching in Danish within 2–5 years of employment, including grading and supervising students, at a level corresponding to the teaching undertaken.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

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 and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Associate professor.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.