Researcher for climate adaptation and water management

Do you have a natural science background in climate adaptation, and are you passionate about researching the climate adaptation of the future? And do you have a structured project management mindset hidden inside you? If you are motivated by working with drought-heat and holistic water management in urban and rural areas, then read on.

The Research Center for Construction, Climate and Water Technology at VIA University College in Horsens is currently seeking an experienced colleague to strengthen the center's work with climate adaptation. The position is aimed at you who have motivation and experience working at the intersection of research and practice.

About the climate adaptation program

How do we build climate-resilient societies that can handle a changing climate? That is the question the Program for Climate Adaptation works with. We believe that the best answers are found at the crossroads between disciplines; between data and people, models and authorities, research and citizens. We combine quantitative and qualitative methods in the work with data, case studies and future scenarios. We translate research into solutions in close collaboration with authorities, politicians and citizens, nationally as well as internationally.

About the position: Strong natural science profile with project management skills

As an experienced colleague in the Program for Climate Adaptation , you will become the fifth researcher in a new program comprising four research staff and educators, two laboratory technicians and a communications officer. You will be responsible for contributing to the program's natural scientific approach to climate adaptation efforts nationally and internationally. In the program we use data and models to understand how climate variables affect water and landscapes, and to calculate risks across administrative and geographical borders.

You will play a central role in contributing to the program's professional development and practical activities so that they are societally relevant and linked to VIA's education. You thrive in actively translating scientific and strategic development points into new, ambitious project and research proposals and research initiatives in close collaboration with the rest of the program.

As a scholarly and strategic sparring partner you contribute to strengthening the quality of task solving and development among your colleagues, and you work purposefully to build and maintain relationships with external partners so that the center stands strong in relevant networks and partnerships.

Your primary tasks

We are seeking a colleague with strong research competencies. We therefore expect you to have a PhD in a natural science field (e.g., engineering or geoscience) and solid practical experience. You will work with water management across the natural and technical water cycle. We expect you to have experience in developing solutions for handling extreme precipitation and drought events across the natural and technical water cycle.

We are looking for a person who is strong at applying for projects from national funds (such as the Danish Foundation for Technology and Innovation, Velux or Innovationsfonde) and European funds (e.g., Horizon or Interreg) and thrives in joining and driving application processes. You are expected to take responsibility for project management in concrete research projects.

You are motivated by developing climate adaptation solutions and climate-resilient geographical areas (including urban and rural areas) that can be illuminated from different disciplinary angles.

We are a new research program that is being established. You must therefore be willing to actively participate in a new research program, where you also get to make your mark, and engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations both internally and externally. It is an advantage to have a broad network that you can bring into play. Since you are hired as an assistant professor and the research center has a close collaboration with the education, there will be activity on the Diploma Engineer Education Climate and Supply Engineering in the form of teaching, supervision, professional development, etc.

National and international travel activity in connection with the projects can be expected.

We imagine that you

• Have a PhD in natural science or equivalent field
• Have 5-10 years of experience with research environments and climate adaptation
• Can generate ideas, coordinate and create new projects across natural science and societal approaches to climate adaptation
• Enjoy working with applications and funding
• Have experience developing and driving national/international projects and related funding
• Have strategic overview and insight into current societal trends
• Can see and create connections between research, practice and society's needs
• Have experience with or a desire to develop peer-reviewed articles and other research communication
• Are organized and plan your time according to changing tasks
• Are proactive and take the initiative to new collaborations and expanding your network
• Are strong relationally and good at bringing people together
• Thrive in a role with both scholarly and strategic responsibility

In addition to candidates with a solid research background, we also welcome profiles with solid practical and project experience. The crucial point is that you can translate specialized knowledge into concrete projects in collaboration with others.

We offer

• a central role in a research center with great societal relevance
• close cooperation with a dedicated and interdisciplinary team
• opportunity to develop and drive your own projects in collaboration with colleagues and external partners
• access to a professional network within climate adaptation nationally and internationally
• access to an interdisciplinary network across sustainable building, energy and water technology.

We look forward to reading your application.

Employment conditions

Employment is governed by the applicable collective agreement for Academics in the State, as well as the circular on the position structure for the Diploma Engineer Education and Export Engineer Education

https://cirkulaere.medst.dk/cirkulaerer/040-21-stillingsstruktur-ved-diplomingenioeruddannelsen-og-eksportingenioeruddannelsen/

The position is basically full-time with an average of 37 hours per week.

Your primary workplace is VIA Campus Horsens, but activities across the Region Midtjylland should be expected. Therefore, you are expected to have a car and driving license available.

Application deadline is 1 Nov 2026

We expect to hold interviews in week 45.

The position is desired to be filled on 1 January 2027

Are you interested?

If you have further questions about the position, you can contact VIA's Center Leader Peter Egholm Bøgh Pedersen at mobile: 8755 4257 or email: [email protected]

Short about the Research Center for Construction, Climate and Water Technology

The Research Center for Construction, Climate and Water Technology consists of 4 research programs (Program for Sustainable Building, Program for Energy, Program for Climate Adaptation and Program for Water Technology) which conduct practice-oriented and applied research for the benefit of the related professions and educations.

The research center consists of a professionally strong team of about 20 researchers reporting directly to the center leader, as well as over 30 educators who research about 20-50% of their working time. The research center is characterized by dedicated staff, high funding and research activity, and an open and flexible work environment with a large network to external partners.

The research center is one of three research centers in the Research Area for Technology and Industry. The other research centers are located in Herning and Viborg and include respectively the Research Center for Textile, Design and Circularity in Herning and the Research Center for Animation, Film and Digital Processes in Viborg.

WE are VIA

VIA is one of Denmark's largest educational institutions with campuses across the Central Denmark Region. We educate and upskill, among others, teachers, nurses, engineers and designers, and we develop our educations in close dialogue with practice.

VIA also primarily conducts applied research in collaboration with public and private partners. Our research creates new knowledge that strengthens our educations and contributes to solutions to central societal challenges. The research area consists of three strong research areas with corresponding research centers.

Read more about VIA's research here: https://www.via.dk/forskning

Our workplace is characterized by flexibility, academic freedom and good development opportunities. We value competencies and talent in many forms and believe in the strength of diversity. All – regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or background – are therefore encouraged to apply for the position and become part of an inclusive community.

Read more about VIA at www.via.dk .

Read information about the use of personal data in connection with recruitment at this link:  https://via.career.emply.com/persondatapolitik