Project employee (2-year fixed-term) – Shallow Geothermal District Heating & Cooling 

VIA is one of Denmark’s largest educational institutions. Through education, applied research, and innovation, VIA collaborates closely with private and public partners to create solutions with real societal impact.

You will be applying for a position in the Research Centre for the Built Environment, Climate and Water Technology at VIA University College. The centre conducts applied research at the intersection of the built environment, climate adaptation, and water and energy systems. We collaborate closely with municipalities, utilities, and private companies to develop, test, and implement future-proof technologies.

The position

VIA University College is seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Project Employee for a 2-year fixed-term position. The role supports applied R&D activities and delivery of project outcomes within shallow geothermal and ambient temperature district heating & cooling systems.

You will join a strong and proven research team and work closely with utilities, municipalities, companies and international research partners. Our activities span the full TRL range, from early-stage concepts and modelling to full-scale demonstration and implementation with real off takers.

This position is well suited for a candidate who thrives with responsibility, works independently, and can maintain progress in periods where colleagues and partners may be less available day-to-day.

Main responsibilities and tasks

The role will support applied R&D spanning both design activities and real-world implementation. Typical tasks may include:

• Supporting technical project execution and structured delivery of milestones and outputs
• Contributing to system modelling and dimensioning of hydraulics and thermal performance
• Supporting GIS-based workflows and integration of spatial data into planning and assessment
• Working with network and building-side integration, including heat pump integration, operational strategies, and enabling low-temperature heating and passive/active cooling
• Conducting techno-economic assessments and benchmarking, translating design and performance into CAPEX/OPEX and decision-ready results
• Processing and interpreting monitoring and demonstration data and converting results into reports, publications, and stakeholder-facing material
• Supporting coding and tool development, including automation of workflows, simulation pipelines, and reproducible calculation tools (Python-based)
• Contributing to dissemination activities such as peer reviewed papers, presentations, meetings, workshops, and collaboration with external stakeholders
• Project management

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with strong technical skills and a professional, structured working style.

We expect that you have:

• A relevant higher education degree (PhD strongly preferred) within e.g. energy engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, geoscience, physics, or similar
• Strong interest and competence within energy systems and applied research
• Experience with technical analysis, modelling, and structured documentation
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English (Danish is an advantage, but not required), and writing peer reviewed papers
• Motivation to work in a practical, stakeholder-oriented research environment

Experience in one or more of the following areas is an advantage:

• District heating and cooling systems, low-temperature networks and/or 5GDHC
• Shallow geothermal systems, borehole heat exchangers, energy geostructures
• Heat pumps, operational strategies, and system integration
• Python-based modelling, simulation tools, or workflow automation
• GIS tools, spatial data processing, and integration of geo-data into analyses
• Techno-economic analysis, benchmarking, and decision-support assessments
• Preparation of research proposals

Personal competencies

A perfect match across every technical sub-topic is not required. We are primarily looking for a candidate with strong professional traits and the right working style, including:

• Independent and mature in execution
• Comfortable taking ownership and managing tasks end-to-end
• Strong project management instincts (planning, follow-up, deadlines, structured delivery)
• Collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to shared team success

We offer

At VIA, you will join a highly relevant research environment and work with projects that have direct societal impact.

We offer:

• A dynamic and impact-focused role in the energy transition
• Close collaboration with strong industry stakeholders and international partners
• A professional and supportive team culture with high ambitions
• A position with responsibility, autonomy, and opportunity for professional development
• Access to applied research platforms, demonstration activities, and real-world datasets

Application process (mandatory)

Applications must be submitted through VIA University College’s official recruitment system no later than February 15.

Please include:

• CV
• Short application letter (motivation and relevant qualifications)
• Diplomas and relevant documentation (if applicable)
• Interviews are expected to be conducted shortly after the deadline.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact:
Head of Research Programme, Søren Erbs Poulsen. Email: soeb@via.dk

Salary and terms of employment

• Workplace: VIA University College, Research Programme for Energy and Climate, Campus Horsens, Denmark
• On-site presence required: This is not a remote position
• Duration: Fixed-term employment for 2 years
• Working hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
• Start date: As soon as possible / by agreement

Salaries and conditions of employment, including pension arrangements, will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the relevant negotiating organisation.

The place of employment is VIA University College, Horsens Campus. However, duties and days on duty may be expected at other locations, when relevant.

The appointment is made in accordance with the Staff Regulations for the education programmes diplomingeniøruddannelsen og eksportingeniøruddannelsen:

Cirkulære om stillingsstruktur ved diplomingeniøruddannelsen og eksportingeniøruddannelsen | Regler, aftaler og cirkulærer

WE are VIA
VIA is one of Denmark’s largest educational institutions, with locations throughout the Central Denmark Region. We educate and provide continuing education for teachers, nurses, engineers, designers and many more. We develop our programmes in close collaboration with practice. We are a workplace that offers flexibility, freedom, and strong opportunities for development. If you are curious about what it’s like to work at VIA, you can read some of our stories here.

At VIA, we value competence and talent in all its forms. We believe in the strength of diversity and welcome everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or background. We therefore encourage everyone to apply for the position and become part of an inclusive community.

Read more about VIA University College at http://www.via.dk/

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