PhD in Structural Reliability of Sustainable Materials

The Faculty of Engineering and Science Department of Built Environment Aalborg University Denmark a PhD stipend is available within the doctoral programme Civil Engineering in Structural Reliability of Sustainable Materials. The stipend is open for appointment from March 1st or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

The position is with the departments research group Risk Resilience Safety and Sustainability of Systems within the Division of Structures Geotechnics and Risk located at the university campus in Aalborg. The Villum Foundation has launched a record-breaking research grant of 1 billion DKK over the next ten years with the goal to advance efforts towards a more sustainable built environment. The announced position is part of this new research programme: Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment (CEBE) and the successful candidate will participate in the joint effort to achieve this goal.

Your work tasks
Todays most used construction materials have a vast environmental burden highlighting the need for sustainable replacements. Balancing urgency and demand for sustainable materials is a massive challenge. The PhD position is part of the efforts in the CEBE project towards the development and implementation of low-carbon robust construction materials. Specifically the PhD candidate will contribute to establishment of a reliability framework for the introduction of sustainable materials through the development of a consistent and applicable framework for the calibration of safety factors considering uncertainties related to material parameters models and statistical uncertainty. Safety formats will be assessed using risk-based approaches considering emissions human safety and economy considering also advanced design methods. Main activities include uncertainty quantification and modelling component reliability assessment and calibration of partial factors. The use of novel AI approaches will be explored to assist. The position will also include limited teaching primarily on the Bachelor Program within Civil Engineering.

Your competencies
A background in structural engineering is essential and candidates must have expertise in structural analysis and design. The candidate must have experience in probabilistic modelling and structural reliability methods as well as non-linear finite element modelling. Mastering of programming languages such as MATLAB or Python is necessary as well as excellent communication skills in English. Candidates with sufficient proficiency in Danish to teach at the Bachelor programme are preferred. Practical experience as a structural engineer is an advantage.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters 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.

Who we are
In civil engineering Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of the Built Environment employs more than 130 people many of whom are total it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs which are based on AAUs problem-based learning model.
The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research consultancy and teaching on complex issues in urban residential and construction areas. Our mission is to build a better and more sustainable society.
You can read more about the department at

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters 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.

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 and masters degree diploma)
• Project description. Applicants are required to submit along with their application documents 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 Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys 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)

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 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.