At the doctoral school of Engineering and Science a PhD scholarship is available within the general study programme Civil Engineering The stipend is open for appointment from 1st of June 2026 in the Construction Management and Building Informatics Research Group, Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University in Aalborg
Description
The generation and accumulation of waste is a global problem for which the construction industry, along with other industries, lacks sustainable solutions. Denmark accounts for 21 million tons of the 2.5 billion tons of waste generated annually (2016). The Danish construction industry contributes 58% of the country’s total waste (Eurostat, 2020). The Knowledge Center for Circular Economy in Construction (VCØB) highlights three initiatives for better waste management:
- Increased sorting
- More targeted handling of different types of waste
- Better control of hazardous substances (VCØB, 2021).
Current research focuses either on either on reducing construction site waste or on mitigating its negative impacts with limited attention given to the development of tools and processes for planning and managing waste handling in order to increase reuse and recycling rates. The purpose of this PhD project is to develop measures to prepare the Danish construction sector for the requirements resulting from the implementation of FBK, A4, and A5.
The Phd position will focus on following:
- The impact of construction waste management system design on waste sorting performance, with the aim of reducing unsorted and abandoned waste
- The potential of incorporating human behavioral factors into system design to improve on-site waste management
- The development and implementation of initiatives that enhance waste sorting quality and documentation practices
- The application of analytical, computational, and simulation-based methods to assess how changes in waste management processes can support compliance with certification standards, such as the Voluntary Sustainability Class
The project is also grounded in problem-based learning, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry to generate solutions to practical challenges within the sector. Part of the project’s outcomes will include the direct dissemination of newly generated knowledge through workshops and dialogue meetings with the Danish construction industry.
Your competencies
Candidate for this position is expected to have relevant engineering background, preferably within construction management or civil engineering. The candidate should have experience with qualitative research methods, such as conducting interviews and performing on-site observations.
Strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently, and good communication skills in both written and spoken English are also expected.
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. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.
Please visit the website of the doctoral school for further information on admission requirements.
Who we are
The research group focusses on challenges in the building industry with respect to digitalisation as well as methodologies and work processes for integrated design and development of buildings in light of the continuously emerging demands set for sustainability and circular economy in the industry. The increasing demands to the industry include a call for more interdisciplinarity and interoperability between buildings and their technical systems and the actors involved in the design, construction, operation and use of buildings.
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's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
- Project description, a one-page statement, indicating their vision for research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above.
- 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 us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.
Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here.
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).
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)
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aalborg Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aalborg Universitet, Thomas Manns Vej, 9220 Aalborg Øst
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 21-05-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/baf5fd0d-7a52-4ec1-b9d7-c503166c06e0
