SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more postdoc or research assistant positions, where the candidates will work on the sensing, modeling and control of soft/continuum robotics with surgical applications. The positions are for one year and the starting date will be agreed with the successful candidates. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

What we offer

• An exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of robotics for real-world applications.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and resources.

Job description
The successful candidate will work on Sensing and AI-Based Control of Continuum Surgical Robots. This task focuses on advanced sensing, perception, and intelligent control of continuum surgical robotic systems. Responsibilities include:

• Integration of different sensing technologies (camera, Electromagnetic tracking system, FBG sensing) with continuum robotic systems and development of associated sensing and estimation algorithms
• 3D environment reconstruction based on vision
• Visual servoing
• Development of AI-based control methods for continuum robots.
• Validation and experimental evaluation of control algorithms on robotic platforms

Profile and requirements
The candidates will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the areas of medical/surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, and control.

The position as research assistant requires a master’s degree and the position as postdoc requires a PhD degree. In both cases an educational background within robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or similar area is required.

The candidate is expected to have a profound knowledge on the majority of the following topics:

• Embedded systems programming
• Robot Operating System (ROS) experience
• Medical imaging analysis
• Robot control
• Artificial intelligence
• Mechanical prototyping

Previous publications in major robotics journals or conferences are a plus.

Furthermore, the successful candidate is expected to:

• Have excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Be able to work well and communicate expert knowledge in an interdisciplinary team.
• Have high self-motivation to learn.
• Have the ability of working independently.
• Have a strong sense of responsibility.

Research environment
SDU Robotics is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We are a team of currently appr. 60 researchers and engineers specialized in research and development of robot solutions and advanced robot systems within the medical, welfare and industrial domain.

SDU Robotics is part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and located at the main Campus in Odense, at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster involving 120+ startups and established companies in robotics.

The aim of the group is to solve challenging research problems derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. We participate in implementing the achieved results in real solutions with end users like national hospitals, Universal Robots, LEGO, and Novo Nordisk.

We value teamwork, professional diligence, enthusiasm for robotics and the drive to adopt new skills and extended responsibilities. We offer an open, international team with flexible work organization and support for individual development.

We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your academic growth as a researcher in SDU Robotics.

Further information
Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics.

Further information about this position is available via email to Assistant Professor Di Wu [email protected].

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.
Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

ODENSE
As the 3rd largest city in Denmark, Odense provides the perfect combination of a historic city center with an urban field yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen; direct trains can take you straight to Copenhagen airport in less than 2 hours. Since 1966 the city has been a university town, and strong collaborative ties are in place between the University of Southern Denmark and the many Danish and International corporations in the region. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.

Application
Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

The application deadline is August 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) - remember to state if you apply for research assistant or postdoc.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages) including past research experience and a publication list.
• Verified copies of certificates/diplomas and transcript of exams (BSc and MSc), both the original documents and in professional English translation. Please clarify the academic level of your undergraduate and master’s grades within your respective fields and indicate their approximate ranking and percentile among all students in the cohort.
• For postdoc applicants: PhD certificates/diplomas, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• List of publications and maximum 3 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications.

The application may also include:

• Two reference letters, or one letter plus two referee contacts contacts (containing at least names, emails and phone).
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for the position.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Assessment and selection process
Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Employment terms
The appointment is temporary for an initial 1-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

Employment as a research assistant requires qualifications at minimum master’s level (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) at the time of employment, while postdoc employment requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for either research assistant or postdoc as described therein.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

Location
Odense M, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-08-20T21:59:00+00:00