One or more MADE PhD stipends in resilient manufacturing systems

One or more MADE PhD stipends in resilient manufacturing systems

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production one or more PhD stipends is available within the doctoral programme Materials Science, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The stipends are open for appointment from 01.09.2025 or soon thereafter. The duration of the positions is 3 years.

Project Description
The PhD stipends will be part of the MADE REACT research project, focusing on the design and operation of resilient manufacturing systems and factories. Global disruptions force manufacturers to pursue resilience in both their supply chain and inside their factories and manufacturing systems. The PhD projects focus on in-factory resilience, addressing all manufacturing levels from individual processes to entire manufacturing systems. The PhD projects will all focus on factory and line level, where three research topics are defined:

1) Conceptual design principles and methods for resilient manufacturing systems. This topic will build upon existing theory on modular and reconfigurable manufacturing systems and develop methods and model-based approaches to design and evaluate resilient reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The methods will be co-developed and validated with several industrial cases.

2) Resilient planning, scheduling and operations of complex systems. This topic will pursue integrated, holistic planning and scheduling to optimize resilience across several factory systems. Development of AI-based tools and complex simulation systems is expected to be a core contribution.

3) IT and OT control structures to enable quick and seamless adaptation and recovery. This topic will pursue a vendor-independent IT, OT and control framework for resilient manufacturing system, allowing seamless cross-vendor integration with generalized asset management and control.

Each PhD stipend will have a focus on only one of these research topics. However, collaboration between topics and between PhD projects is required.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate has:

• A strong background in manufacturing engineering, management engineering, operations management, robotics, industrial engineering, computer science or similar
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Additional qualifications that will be considered advantages:

• Experience in software development, control of production systems, manufacturing systems, simulation or AI-based systems.
• Prior experience working with industrial partners or in industrial settings
• Publications in relevant academic journals or conferences

Research Environment
The PhD stipends are within the Robotics and Automation Group and the Mass Customization Group. The project (MADE REACT) is co-funded by industrial partners, and close collaboration with LEGO, Danfoss, Grundfos, Novo Nordisk and/or Velux will be an integrated part. Furthermore, as REACT is part of the MADE (Manufacturing Academy of Denmark) research and innovation network, the PhD stipends will be closely linked to fellow researchers at other Danish universities through both academic and social events. You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a vibrant research community.

You may obtain further information from Associate Professor, Casper Schou, Department of Material and Production, Phone: 45 20868884, Email: cs@mp.aau.dk concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

About the department
Department of Materials and Production (MP) is a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department's mission is to meet the future's demands for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials' applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production, and management.

The Department has several strong, international, and innovative research groups which comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applicable research. The activities encompass research as well as education within materials, mechanics, physics, production technique, and industrial management and innovation.

Benefitting the industry and additional collaborators several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are developed through interdisciplinary co-operations. Thereby, as an employee at the department, you will become a part of an international research environment, where the focus is on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time position for 3 years
• Competitive salary and pension plan according to Danish regulations
• Comprehensive health insurance and social security coverage
• Research and travel budget for conferences and research stays
• Opportunity for teaching experience and supervision of student projects

International Relocation Support
AAU's International Staff Unit (ISU) provides comprehensive support for international employees relocating to Denmark, including:

• Assistance with residence and work permits
• Registration with Danish authorities
• Guidance on housing, banking, and insurance
• Support for accompanying family members through the AAU 1 spouse and partner network
• Danish language courses

Application Procedure
To apply, please submit:

• Motivation letter indicating which of the three research topics you are most interested in (1 A4 page)
• CV including education, work experience, and relevant qualifications
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Names and contact information of 2-3 references

Diversity Statement
Aalborg University is committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, age, nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

Working and living in Aalborg and Denmark

The city of Aalborg is lively with a wide variety of music and cultural events, top notch restaurants, fresh air and easy access to natural parks, forests, and great beaches.

Information about life in Denmark in general, health care, tax etc. can be found at the International Staff Unit page https://www.isu.aau.dk/ and https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/

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. 1039 of August 27, 2013 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.

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.
When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Helle S. Thomsen, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email: hellest@adm.aau.dk

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science: https://www.phd.aau.dk/eng

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

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.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
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) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

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.

Ansøgningsfrist
01-06-2025

Ref. nummer
2025/73

Afdeling
Department of Materials and Production