Postdoc Position on Planning of Coordinated Robotic Shipbuilding Operations

SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP), part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more fully funded postdoc positions in the area of model- and simulation-based planning and control of robotic shipbuilding operations (such as hull welding). The positions will be vacant from 1 November 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for a 2-year period. Main work location is Odense/Denmark at SDU and Odense Havn (Odense Port).

The application deadline is 22 September 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Research environment

The candidate will be part of SDU’s newly established Center for Large Structure Production (LSP). LSP’s central ambition is to provide a physical “go-to” lab for companies in the sectors maritime, construction and energy to carry out research, development and testing of novel solutions in the production of large structures, such as buildings, ships and offshore platforms. In this context, the candidate is expected to work closely with our industrial partners on application-oriented use cases, while helping to commission and operate the unique set of equipment of the center. 

LSP is closely working together the companies at Odense Havn and similar partners making large structures across Denmark and Europe. LSP is integrated with the Odense Robotics Cluster involving startups and established companies in robotics. We are a team of currently ca. 15 researchers and engineers, specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, simulation, and control of advanced robot technologies (systems and services) for application-oriented industrial applications. 

Our group is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We solve challenging research problems derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. 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 of individual development.

Job description

The postdoc position is associated with a project in the maritime sector. The overall objective of the project is to develop, control and demonstrate LSP’s multi-robot/multi-purpose gantry system for executing central shipbuilding operations, such as hull welding. The main activities in the project will be industrial R&D tasks carried out by LSP’s engineers in close collaboration with company partners. 

The starting point for the candidate to develop their academic profile in LSP will be to work on so-called “zero programming” methods and tools to define a digital workflow from product design to production operations. Based on analyzing ship designs based on discrete-event simulations of their production, the candidate will develop detailed quasi-continuous 3D simulations of the required production operations, including multiple robots, tools, and sensors. Facilitating Digital Twins, these 3D simulations will then be further developed into control of the physical assets in LSP’s unique multi-purpose/multi-robot gantry system.

Profile and requirements

The candidate is expected to have most of the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in engineering with outstanding academic track record.
• Ability to work independently as part of an agile team, with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Willingness to engage in application-oriented R&D, by closely interacting with company staff.
• Documented knowledge in automation and/or logistics.
• Documented experience with simulation and Digital Twins.
• Strong programming skills (particularly in C/C++ and Python).
• Strong mathematics skills and practical knowledge in 3D modelling.

In close teamwork with our researchers and staff from our industrial partners, the candidate will grow a hands-on expertise in robotic production operations, including robots, tools, and sensors. 

Contact information

For further information, please contact Professor Christian Schlette via email ([email protected]) or on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/christian-schlette/).

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 2-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Application procedure

Candidates are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

Assessment of the application is based on the application material. Include the following documents in English: 

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• Certificates/Diplomas (master’s and PhD degree) – incl. transcripts of grades in Danish and/or English. 
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant for the position. Please attach as one PDF-file for each publication (only full text publications (i.e. no links) can form the basis for assessment of the application).
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance to the position.

The application may also include:

• Research statement.
• Summary of experience in teaching.
• Reference letters/References.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’. 

The application deadline is 22 September 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to an academic position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

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

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.