Research Assistant in Sociology (or a related field) i København

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Sustainability and Planning in Copenhagen, a position as Research Assistant in Sociology (or a related field) is available from 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is offered for a period of four months with the possibility of extension.

The research assistant will support Associate Professor Troels Krarup in writing a large research application for the European Research Council (ERC). The project proposal, which is still under development, aims to contribute to the sociology of sustainable energy transition in the European Union. Specifically, the project is expected to concern problems of resourcification and governance of ‘renewable carbon’ (e.g., from biomass or CO2 capture) to replace fossil fuels in heavy transport and industry. Following Krarup’s earlier work, ‘problems’ are here understood within a discourse analytical framework as tensions, uncertainties, and contradictions emerging in political, legislative, and commercial practices. The project is expected to compare and relate such problems of renewable carbon resourcification at the EU level, in selected Member States, and in key and industries (companies). 
The main working tasks include (non-exhaustive list): writing and summarizing literature, contributing to (discussions about) the project’s conceptual and methodological development, participating in pilot studies, maintaining contact with relevant research environments at home and abroad. The working place is AAU’s campus in Copenhagen’s South Harbour area.
The following qualifications in particular will be weighted positively in the assessment of candidates and should be highlighted in the application:

• A master’s degree in sociology, political science, sustainable design, environmental planning, or related disciplines
• Training/experience in working with social or political theories and theory-driven projects, particularly discourse analysis
• Training/experience in qualitative methods, particularly interviewing and document analysis
• Experience (e.g., through internships, projects, work or other) with energy systems and/or competition policy 
• Proficiency in English and, preferably, in other European languages

The Department of Sustainability and Planning (PLAN) was established in 1975. Today, we are located in both Aalborg and Copenhagen, by the waterfront. We are a team of over 250 employees, including both academic and administrative staff. We have approximately 1,200 students.
Our research and educational programmes are rooted in sustainability and the green transition. This means we conduct research in circular economy, technology, urban-, energy-, and environmental planning, as well as sustainable transition and design. At PLAN, sustainability is a core tenet of everything we do, be it in environmental assessment and marine management or in surveying and land use, where we focus on nature restoration and climate adaptation.
As society continuously evolves in the digital sphere, we also emphasise responsible technological development, grounded in real-life challenges. Our problem-oriented approach and close collaboration with businesses and public institutions form the foundation of all our educational programmes. Furthermore, our engineering degrees rank among the best in Europe.

At the Department of Sustainability and Planning (PLAN), we conduct research in circular economy, technology, urban-, energy-, and environmental planning, as well as sustainable transition and design. The Research Assistant will become part of the research group Design for Sustainability (DfS), working with a range of aspects of sustainable transition from a socio-technical perspective and with a problem-oriented approach in close collaboration with businesses and public institutions.

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You may obtain further professional information from Associate Professor Troels Krarup, e-mail elarsentroelsmkkimberlyriley@pollardplan.aauwatkins.dk or phone (+45) 42588831.

Qualification requirementsAppointment as a research assistant requires academic qualifications at master's degree level.

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 (master's degree diploma and potential PhD diploma).
• List of publications. You may attach a maximum of 5 publications (optional).
• Documentation of teaching qualifications (optional).
• 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 University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's 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 employmentThe 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).

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.