PhD in Participatory Design Futuring for Urban Transitions at Aalborg University Aalborg University in Denmark

Aalborg University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the role of participatory design futuring in promoting urban transitions. The position is based in the Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology (CREATE) and is part of the interdisciplinary study program “Media, Architecture & Design.” The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in either Aalborg or Copenhagen, Denmark, and will benefit from a dual-supervisor setup, fostering cross-campus collaboration.

The PhD project explores participatory design approaches, futuring and design imaginaries, urban and service systems design, sustainable transitions, and the inclusion of more-than-human perspectives such as nature, ecosystems, and non-human actors. Applicants are encouraged to define a specific urban issue of their choice—such as climate adaptation, housing, mobility, care, food systems, or urban inequalities—and investigate how participatory design futuring can help imagine and enable alternative futures.

Key research areas include participatory design, urban transitions, sustainability, social innovation, and more-than-human design. The department is recognized for its innovative integration of creativity, engineering, and technology within architecture, urban design, industrial design, digital design, and interactive media. The research environment is international and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility requirements include a completed Master’s degree in design, architecture, urban studies, media studies, service design, interaction design, or related fields. Candidates must demonstrate an interest in sustainability, participation, futures thinking, and urban change, and must be eligible for enrolment at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design at Aalborg University. Application materials should include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, a draft PhD project description (max 3 pages), and any other relevant documents.

The position is fully funded for three years, with salary and benefits provided according to the Danish AC collective agreement. Employment is governed by Danish university regulations, and regular PhD progress assessments are required. The application deadline is 3 February 2026, with the position starting on 1 April 2026 or soon thereafter.

For further information, applicants may contact Associate Professor Luca Simeone ([email protected]) or AAU PhD Administration (Annemarie Davidsen, [email protected]). Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, accessible through the official job advertisement.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in participatory design, futures studies, urban transitions, sustainability, and social innovation. Aalborg University encourages applications from diverse and international backgrounds.