Postdoc in Data-driven District Heating Modelling Full-time NEW

Postdoc In Data-driven District Heating Modelling

The Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering invites you to apply for a 2-year position. Are you interested in data-driven modelling and optimisation of District Heating Systems and can you contribute to the development of our Villum Synergy project, “Recycling waste heat: Graph-based Algorithms for Spatiotemporal Optimization of Thermal Networks”? Then this is a 2–year position from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a fixed-term position to end on 30 September 2028.

We are offering a Postdoctoral research position in district heating modelling and optimisation, with particular focus on:

• Data-driven modelling of district heating networks.
• Data analysis and modelling of waste-heat sources and demand profiles.
• Spatio-temporal optimisation of waste-heat sources and supporting energy technologies integration.
• Cross-domain collaboration with computer science.

This position is part of an interdisciplinary project, where research tasks will be carried out in collaboration with the research group of Davide Mottin, at the Department of Computer Science, and Kredsløb, Aarhus's district heating company.

The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Civil Engineering or similar.
• Strong background in one or more of the following areas: district heating modelling, thermal energy system optimisation, data-driven thermal systems modelling, building energy systems modelling.
• Documented experience in handling research challenges
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab).
• Ability to analyse spatial (GIS) and large operational datasets.
• Interest in interdisciplinary work involving computer science.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

The department employs around 100 people and is responsible for research and education within the department's scientific areas. We educate both Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering and around 950 students are enrolled in our study programs. Furthermore, we also offer an ambitious PhD program.

Through research and development, we forge sustainable technological solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing industry and society. We strive to contribute to sustainable development and to create green solutions to challenges within construction, indoor climate, geotechnics, environmental and climate adaptation and many other areas.

We offer an innovative and collaborative teaching and research environment with close interaction between students, researchers, and industry partners. The department provides well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, and access to shared technical facilities. We offer an interdisciplinary environment with national, international, and industrial collaborators. Our academic environment is built on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional dialogue. The workplace is characterised by professionalism, flexibility, and a healthy work–life balance. The department is located at Navitas on the waterfront in Aarhus, Denmark.

Applications must be received no later than 7 August 2026. Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

For further information, please contact: Massimo Fiorentini, +45 93 52 29 61, massimo@cae.au.dk.