Aalborg University PhD Scholarship

This PhD scholarship at Aalborg University’s Doctoral School of Engineering and Science offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable solutions for construction waste management. The position is based in the Construction Management and Building Informatics Research Group, Department of the Built Environment, and focuses on developing innovative measures to prepare the Danish construction sector for new requirements related to waste handling, reuse, and recycling.

The project addresses the global challenge of waste generation, with Denmark’s construction industry accounting for a significant portion of national waste. Research will target improved waste sorting, targeted handling, and better control of hazardous substances, as highlighted by the Knowledge Center for Circular Economy in Construction (VCØB). The PhD will specifically investigate:

• The impact of construction waste management system design on sorting performance, aiming to reduce unsorted and abandoned waste.
• The potential for integrating human behavioral factors into system design to enhance on-site waste management.
• Development and implementation of initiatives to improve waste sorting quality and documentation.
• Application of analytical, computational, and simulation-based methods to support compliance with certification standards, such as the Voluntary Sustainability Class.

The research is grounded in problem-based learning and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry. Outcomes will be disseminated through workshops and dialogue meetings with the Danish construction sector, ensuring practical impact and knowledge transfer.

Applicants should have a relevant engineering background, preferably in construction management or civil engineering, and experience with qualitative research methods. Strong analytical skills, independence, and excellent communication in English are essential. The PhD stipend is for 3 years, with requirements including completion of PhD courses (30 ECTS), teaching or knowledge dissemination, and an external research stay (3-6 months) at a foreign institution.

Aalborg University is an international workplace committed to diversity and real-world-oriented education. The main campus is in Aalborg, with additional campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen. Salary and employment terms follow the AC collective agreement, and there is a mutual probationary period of 3 months.

To apply, submit your application via the university’s recruitment system, including a motivation statement, CV, diplomas, project description, and other relevant documents. For questions, contact Søren Munch Lindhard at [email protected]. The application deadline is June 1, 2026.