Postdoc position in Tensions in Arctic Infrastructures

The Department of Culture and Communication at Aalborg University’s Copenhagen campus is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). The position is for a two-year postdoc, ideally starting August 1st, 2026. The position will encompass the ethnographic study of wind energy infrastructure development in Norway. The postdoc is part of the Sapere Aude research project Tensions in Arctic Infrastructures (in short, Tensions), led by associate professor Mette Simonsen Abildgaard and funded by the Independent Research Found Denmark (DFF). 

Project description
The Tensions project aims to study how 'good' infrastructure is practically negotiated in the Arctic, focusing on three infrastructure systems in tension: wind farms in Norway, telecommunication in Greenland and data storage in Iceland. Drawing on science and technology studies and, specifically, infrastructure studies (Edwards et al 2009; Star 1999), the project aims to follow moments of instability and re-negotiation as sites where Arctic infrastructural tensions become visible for ethnographic investigation. Infrastructural tensions are studied through multi-sited fieldwork, in each case moving across specific infrastructure sites, following relations between technical equipment and plants, planning offices, courts, government offices, and industry events.
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to Tensions by undertaking a multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork focused on the planning and development of wind farms in Finnmark, northern Norway. Methodologically, the position will involve document analysis and ethnographic interviews and observations on site in Finnmark as well as observations and interviews with key wind energy sector actors such as regulators, engineers, officials, and companies such as the multi-national conglomerates which plan and construct wind farms in Norway.
While the postdoc will predominantly focus on energy infrastructures and the case of Norwegian wind farms, all project members will collaborate across cases to analyse intersections between sites, tensions, and infrastructures in the Arctic.
The position also involves contributing to the development of arctic studies at Aalborg university, including funding activities as well as the development and coordination of scientific webinars, seminars and workshops in the research platform Arctic Lab.

Themes for the proposal may include, but are not limited to, the following avenues:
-    the socio-technical organizing of wind energy systems
-    ethnographic perspectives on engineering and technological innovation in wind energy
-    ethnographic perspectives on legal and regulatory processes of infrastructure development
-    more-than-human perspectives on sustainable energy infrastructures
-    the valuation of infrastructure across groups such as Samí reindeer herders, environmental groups, and actors in the Norwegian energy sector

The research questions, methodology, and project plan for the postdoc-project will be developed in collaboration with PI Associate Professor Mette Simonsen Abildgaard.

Qualification Requirements 
•    Applicants should hold a PhD in anthropology, STS, arctic studies, media studies or related fields.
•    Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct ethnographic research such as participant observation, attested by prior publications, or a relevant PhD dissertation.
•    Priority will be given to applicants with knowledge of the project’s Arctic and Samí context
•    Good written and spoken English language skills are mandatory
•    Nordic (Norwegian, Danish or Swedish) language skills are recommended.
•    The position requires experience with scientific work and publishing.
•    The candidate is expected to contribute to the preparation and development of funding applications
•    The candidate is expected to contribute to educational programs at the Department of Communication and Culture. 

The position 
The position is a 24-month full-time (37 hours per week) engagement. The postdoc position is integrated in the award-winning research environment Techno-anthropology Lab (TANTlab) located on Aalborg University’s Copenhagen campus. TANTlab offers a vibrant international group of STS scholars working with fieldwork methods, design interventions, and digital/computational methods to engage users, publics, and partners in exploring dilemmas, controversies, and paths to sustainable and desirable futures. We strive towards creating best possible conditions for postdoctoral researchers, i.e., flexible work hours and opportunities for personal and professional development. 

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) 
• A research plan
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. You must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• 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 employment
The 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.

Contacts

• Mette Simonsen Abildgaard: +4599409955, msab@ikk.aau.dk
• HR Support: +4599403031, aau-hrsupport@adm.aau.dk