At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University (AAU), a position as Full Professor in Plastic and Polymer Science and Engineering is available from November 1st, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Department of Materials and Production is currently strengthening its research activities within plastic materials science and engineering and hereby invites applications from candidates with a strong, independent research profile at the forefront of synthesis, characterization, and recycling of plastic materials. We are seeking a material scientist to develop and advance innovative research programmes within plastics and polymer science - including synthesis, characterization, and recycling of polymeric materials – with a proven track record of translating research into industrial applications.
AAU offers access to advanced laboratory facilities for materials synthesis and characterization as well as the opportunity to collaborate with excellent internationally recognized research groups engaged in cutting-edge work on sustainable polymer materials and plastics recycling, functional polymer materials and high-performance polymer-based composite materials.
The Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University is a diverse and dynamic environment for research and education. The mission of the department is to address future demands for new materials and production systems by covering the entire value chain—from fundamental materials understanding to their application in mechanical engineering, industrial production, and management. The department has several international recognized, 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. 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 activities of the department are supported by world-class laboratories which are an important part of the research activities. 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be able to document a high degree of original academic production at an international level and experience from teaching at different levels. Including tests/exams, course/study programme management as well as contributions to the development of teaching activities and teaching material.
Emphasis is placed on the extent, to which the applicant, has developed the academic discipline from a research and teaching perspective.
Emphasis may moreover be placed on the applicant’s ability to carry out and develop research-based public-sector consultancy. Also, emphasis will be placed on an assessment of the applicant’s ability to perform research and teaching management tasks and possibly fulfil other functions, for example in relation to the university’s external cooperation.
Emphasis will also be placed on the applicant’s ability to undertake pedagogical supervision, supervision and academic assessment work.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research impact and experience, funding track record, and research vision.
• International impact and experience.
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills
• Experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development

At Aalborg University, our philosophy of teaching is the world-renowned Aalborg model of problem-based learning (PBL). Documented experience with this learning approach is considered an advantage but is not a prerequisite.
You can read more about AAU Materials and Production at: Materials and Production
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at AAU at: International Staff Unit

YOUR PRIMARY TASKS WILL BE TO:

• Lead research in the field of plastics and polymer science and engineering.
• Actively contribute to the department activities by developing innovative research and teaching at the interfaces between materials science, physics, and engineering.
• Strengthen and promote departmental collaboration across AAU within plastic processing, modification, synthesis, recycling, and circular plastic economy.
• Initiate and lead collaboration with national and international academic and industrial partners to bring solutions to real world implementation/impact.
• Develop and manage a research group with focus on plastics and secure external funding to realize your research vision.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and science.
• Teach relevant courses in the course portfolio and supervise BSc, MSc, PhD students, mentor postdocs, and assistant professors.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the plastic and polymer research and teaching programs of the department.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research impact and experience, funding track record, and research vision.
• International impact and experience.
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills
• Experience and quality of teaching and curriculum developmen