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

Aalborg University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the role of participatory design futuring in promoting urban transitions. The position is based at the Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology (CREATE), within the interdisciplinary study program “Media, Architecture & Design.” The research will investigate participatory design futuring within urban and service systems design, with an emphasis on sustainable transitions and the inclusion of more-than-human perspectives through design imaginaries. Applicants are encouraged to propose a project focusing on a critical urban issue of their choice.

The PhD will be co-supervised by Professor Luca Simeone and Tina Vestermann Olsen, with a dual-campus setup between Aalborg and Copenhagen. The department is recognized for integrating creativity, engineering, and technology across architecture, urban design, industrial design, digital design, and interactive media. The position is open to candidates from all backgrounds and orientations, reflecting the university’s commitment to diversity.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and submit a comprehensive application including a motivation statement, CV, diplomas, and a draft project description (max. 3 pages). The position is fully funded for three years, with salary and terms governed by the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations’ collective agreement. The application deadline is February 3, 2026, and the expected start date is April 1, 2026, or soon thereafter. Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. For further information, candidates may contact the supervisors or the PhD administration.

Key research areas include participatory design, urban transitions, service systems design, sustainable transitions, and interdisciplinary approaches in architecture and media technology. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research at a leading Danish institution with campuses in Aalborg and Copenhagen.