Industry based PhD student position in active inspections using a quadruped robot and aerial drones at IT University of Copenhagen

The Computer Science Department at IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a fully funded Industry based PhD position in active inspections using a quadruped robot and aerial drones supervised by Associate Professor Andrés Faíña, and Thomas Søby Eriksen and Thiago Ferreira Rabello as company supervisors from Novo Nordisk. The ideal starting month is 15 December 2024 or soon thereafter.


The IT University’s vision is to create and share knowledge that is profound and leads to groundbreaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity. The Computer Science Department seeks to conduct research and education that are both foundational and have impact on industry and society.


The project
The project is a collaboration between Novo Nordisk, Helix Lab and the IT University of Copenhagen. The project aims to automate inspections at Novo Nordisk factories by using a quadruped robot with a manipulator and one or several aerial drones. The qualified candidate will explore coordination and learning strategies for performing the inspections.

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience in controlling robots using the Robot Operating System (ROS).
• Has experience with quadruped robots and/or aerial drones.
• Has knowledge of positioning systems and localization algorithms
• Has knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (e.g., reinforcement learning or evolutionary algorithms).
• Could develop simple mechanical and electronic prototypes (this skill is a plus but not necessary).
• Is motivated and enthusiastic about carrying out research related to robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Has a background in computer science or similar.
• Has excellent English communication skills.

Research environment
The qualified applicant will join the Robotics, Evolution, and Art Lab (REAL) at ITU (https://real.itu.dk/) and be supervised by Associate Professor Andrés Faiña (https://real.itu.dk/people/afaina/).

The Computer Science department at ITU is a strong, highly international institution (https://en.itu.dk/research/departments/computer-science-department).

The PhD student will also be part of the PhD School at ITU.

We aim at building a diverse team. All applications are welcome, especially those from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.


In Novo Nordisk, the PhD student will be anchored in the Remote Operations section, a team driving changes needed to meet Novo Nordisk´s future operations strategic ambitions. Novo Nordisk ambition is to support a more sustainable work life for their workforce and, if the project is successful, Novo Nordisk will be able to lower the risk of developing chronic deceases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity among employees working night shifts. Thus, the project will focus on mapping and eliminating manual interventions or automating them to facilitate fully automated operations during night shifts.

Additionally, the project involves Helix Lab, a research and education center in Kalundborg funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, with state-of-the-art biotech and robotics laboratories. The PhD student is expected to contribute to the development of the research community at Helix Lab alongside peers - other PhD students, MSc students (Helix Lab Fellows), and specialists in Kalundborg. Also, the PhD student is expected to serve as a strong ambassador for Helix Lab and spend approximately 50% of the time in Kalundborg, divided between Novo Nordisk and Helix Lab.

Responsibilities will include mentoring, assisting, and guiding Helix Lab Fellows doing their thesis work. In return, Helix Lab will offer a program that includes academic as well as social activities and supports the integration of PhD student into the Kalundborg Biocluster. The PhD program will facilitate interdisciplinary activities and stimulate new ideas and projects among students, university supervisors, local faculty, and industry specialists.


Job tasks
The tasks include amongst others:

• To carry out research on the project.
• To publish scientific papers and present them at international venues.
• To attend courses for academic development and assist in teaching.
• To collaborate with international project partners.
• To finalize the research training by writing and completing a PhD dissertation in the case of the PhD position applicant.
• To contribute to the development of the research community at Helix Lab.

About the Computer Science Department
The ITU Computer Science Department conducts research in all aspects of computer science and data science, including algorithms, databases, government IT, machine learning, natural language processing, network science, optimization, programming languages, quantum computing, robotics, security, semantics, software engineering, software verification, type theory, and more, as well as a range of applications. The department has 55 permanent faculty, 65 PhDs and postdocs, as well as other staff. It is responsible for the IT University's most technical education programs BSc Software Development, BSc Data Science, MSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, and MSc Software Design.


Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, ambitious, competent, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from 17 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively and successfully pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.


Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will be a good experience for you and your family.


Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at Universities.


Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:

• An MSc degree in computer science, robotics, or similar (or submitting a statement signed by the supervisor with the expected delivery time for the MSc).

Application
The application must be in English and must include:

• A cover letter (max. 1 pages) explaining why you are interested in the position and how your profile fits the position.
• Documentation of academic degree(s) including grade transcripts that documents outstanding academic achievement;
• Curriculum Vitae, which must include two professional/academic references.

The application may also include:

• Relevant scientific publications written by the applicant
• A copy of the MSc (or working draft)
• Letters of recommendation.

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.


General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based tertiary institution concerned with information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members.

Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities, which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.


Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Associate Professor Andres Faina, IT University of Copenhagen, [email protected] or tel. 7218 5258. Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged.
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected].


Application procedure
You can apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.

Please read the guidelines for applicants carefully before filling in the application form. You can see the guidelines through this link.

The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.

Please note that all application material will be destroyed after the assessment.


Application deadline: 1 October 2024, at 23:59 CEST.


Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.


At IT University we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position