The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University invites applications for the position of Associate Professor in Environmental Modelling. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated researcher to help strengthen our capacity in modelling of air pollution and noise, and to contribute to our advisory services to national authorities. The successful candidate will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment that combines atmospheric science, environmental chemistry, social science, and policy studies, and that works at the interface between science and decision-making.
Expected start date and duration of employment
This is a permanent position from 1 Oct 2025 or as soon possible.
Job description
The successful candidate will be based in the Atmospheric Modelling and Emissions section, which has strong expertise in chemical transport models, emission inventories, data analysis and environmental assessments. The section plays a central role in providing policy-relevant advice to Danish authorities, particularly on air pollution, and is actively involved in European research and monitoring networks.
As Associate Professor, you will:
- Conduct and publish internationally recognized research on air pollution and noise modelling
- Develop and apply innovative models and data analytics using a mix of ground-based, satellite, and simulated data
- Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration with both internal and external partners
- Contribute to research proposals and the department’s advisory work for Danish authorities and private companies
- Develop new courses and mentor early-career researchers
Your Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a background in meteorology, physics, geophysics, mathematical modelling, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. You should have:
- Experience in environmental modelling, including data science methods such as AI and machine learning
- Proficiency in GIS and R programming or similar
- Effective communication skills and experience working with authorities on advisory tasks
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher who thrives in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment. If you are not proficient in Danish, you will eventually acquire the language skills necessary for advisory tasks with Danish authorities (language courses will be provided).
Applicants should hold a PhD and at least 5-6 years of post-doctoral experience, with extensive publication accomplishments and a history of securing external research funding. Participation in national and international research networks is expected.
About the Department
The
Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department within the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University. Our research covers a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, microbiology, social sciences, geography, and environmental economics. We focus on major societal challenges such as pollution control, land and water management, climate change, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem services.
We have a highly collaborative work environment, where all employees contribute to securing the research and advisory projects that fund more than 70% of the department’s activities. The department provides expert advisory services to ministries and authorities. While we do not run a master’s program in environmental science, there are some opportunities for teaching and supervision. We value equality, diversity, and a strong work-life balance. Currently, about 140 staff, postdocs, and PhD students work in the department.
The Research GroupThe selected candidate will join the
Section for Atmospheric Emissions and Modelling in the Group of Atmospheric Modelling, focusing on air pollution processes. The group develops, tests, and applies models that cover various scales—global to local—and examines the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of air pollution and climate change. Close collaboration with other sections within the department is essential, particularly in areas such as atmospheric measurements, environmental economics, and geography.
In the group, we specialize in
- Atmospheric physics and chemistry, including numerical methods and computer science
- Air pollution modelling at regional (Northern Hemisphere, Europe, Denmark) and local scales (urban areas, point sources)
- Weather forecast models for various scales
- Integrated assessment modelling (impact on health, environment, and climate)
- Environmental noise modelling
- Climate modelling and its links to air pollution and health
- Decision-support for policy makers on emissions, air quality, and health impacts
Work location
The place of work will be at Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. The city of Roskilde (www.roskilde.dk) is located approx. 30 km from Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits.
International candidates may find information concerning living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk. AU International Center offers a full range of services to make your transition to Denmark as smooth as possible (http://www.au.dk/en/internationalcentre/ias/), and the department will assist foreign candidates with finding a suitable place to live.
Contact information
Further information may be obtained by contacting Head of Section; Emission and Atmospheric Modelling, Professor Peter Langen
plangen@envs.au.dk, +45 2061 8369, or Head of Department, Professor Carsten Suhr Jacobsen
csj@envs.au.dk +45 8715 8701.
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 15 June 2025.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks 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 will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
If you wish to add a referee
after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the
Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found
here.Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the
Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more
here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark
here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website. Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/