Postdoc in Integrated Energy Systems and CO Hub Optimization for Smart Industrial Ecosystems

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science AAU Energy a postdoctoral position in Integrated Energy Systems and CO₂ Hub Optimization for Smart Industrial Ecosystems is open for appointment from July 1 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the position is two years and is based at Aalborg Universitys campus in Aalborg.

Your work tasks
The position is part of ongoing research activities focusing on the development of integrated energy solutions for CO₂ hubs within smart industrial ecosystems with a case study at Hirtshals this role you will contribute to both methodological development and applied research by:

• Collecting structuring and analyzing data on existing energy supply (electricity heating/cooling fuels) infrastructure and industrial consumption patterns to establish a comprehensive baseline database for modelling.
• Developing advanced digital models of the ports energy system including electrical networks aggregated industrial loads renewable energy integration and energy storage systems.
• Designing and implementing sector coupling solutions by integrating electricity heating cooling and potentially transport systems to enhance overall system efficiency.
• Modelling heat symbiosis and multi-energy interactions to evaluate cross-sector optimization and CO₂ reduction potential.
• Conducting scenario-based simulations to assess system performance flexibility potentials and robustness under different future energy configurations.
• Identifying and optimizing integrated energy solutions that improve the efficiency and operational value of the CO₂ hub.
• Contributing to the assessment and development of innovative business models and market mechanisms including local energy markets and green certificate schemes.
• Supporting the overall objective of minimizing CO₂ emissions while ensuring a reliable scalable and future-proof energy system for the port and its surrounding industrial ecosystem.

Across these research directions the postdoctoral researcher will develop and implement advanced optimization models perform techno-economic and environmental assessments contribute to scientific publications in leading journals and conferences and collaborate closely with international academic partners and industrial stakeholders.
The position is offered in relation to the research group iGRIDS Intelligent Energy Systems and Flexible Markets and the postdoctoral researcher will be positioned in the Section for Electric Power Systems and Microgrids at AAU Energy.

Your competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate strong analytical skills scientific ambition and the ability to work independently within a collaborative research environment. Professionally we expect experience in most of the following areas:

• Modelling and analysis of integrated energy systems (e.g. electricity and heating/cooling)
• Power system analysis including integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar
• Sector coupling and multi-vector energy system design (e.g. Power-to-X heat integration)
• Energy system optimization and planning under technical and operational constraints
• Scenario analysis and simulation of future energy systems including CO₂ reduction strategies
• Data analysis and development of baseline datasets for energy modelling
• Techno-economic assessment of energy systems and low-carbon solutions
• Knowledge of energy markets flexibility services and system-level value of integrated solutions
• Experience with digital modelling tools and platforms for power and energy systems (e.g. EnergyPlan DIgSILENT or similar).

Strong programming skills in Python MATLAB or similar environments are required. Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing co-simulation frameworks or real-time validation environments will be considered an asset. Familiarity with energy market mechanisms and innovative business models for flexible energy production and consumption will further strengthen the candidates profile. Strong English proficiency (CEFR C1 / IELTS 6.5 or above) is highly recommended.

On a personal level we seek someone who thrives in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment communicates effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and balances independent work with active engagement in team activities. Overall we envision a colleague who is both scientifically ambitious and collegial capable of contributing to the groups long-term vision while fostering a positive creative and productive research culture.

The applicant should hold a PhD in Energy Engineering Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Qualification requirements
Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are
AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical thermal and mechatronic energy technologies and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments to address realworld energy challenges.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and from a broad range of national backgrounds. This creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as the working language in research and teaching which makes it straightforward for international colleagues to integrate.

We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad can draw on the universitys support services related to relocation housing and practical matters.

You can read more about AAU Energy at .

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 (masters 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. Youmay attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• 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 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 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 (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of 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) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only 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 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.