Research Fellow/Research Assistant Position in 3D Concrete Printing

SDU CREATE invites candidates to apply for a position as a Research Fellow/Assistant in 3D Concrete Printing. One or more positions are to be filled at the earliest opportunity, with a potential start date in February 2025. 

The application deadline is January 10, 2025, at 23:59 (CET/CEST). 

Scope of the work

The successful candidate(s) will engage in pioneering research integrating state-of-the-art computational modelling and 3D concrete printing (3DCP). This research area focuses on developing sustainable architectural and construction engineering solutions through advanced additive manufacturing. The Research Fellow/Assistant will assist ongoing and new projects in 3DCP and contribute to computational, experimental and fabrication-related activities, collaborating with other researchers and students.

The appointed applicant(s) will also be involved in the educational programmes of MSc CREATE and the BSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering. We are searching for highly motivated and skilled individuals dedicated to academic excellence motivated to achieve significant research impacts. 

The position is intended as a preparatory step toward a PhD application and will provide opportunities to develop research skills, co-author publications, and engage with advanced 3DCP techniques. The appointed candidate(s) will contribute to consolidating our dynamic and collaborative research culture, actively promoting the Centre’s activities in 3D Concrete Printing.

Focus Research Areas             

The selected applicant(s) will ideally develop original research contribution in one or more of the following development areas under the umbrella topic of advancing 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP):

1. Computational design of carbon-efficient structures and building systems
2. Advanced toolpath control informed by performance-driven feedback
3. Advancement of the fabrication system involving hardware and software development, with potential inclusion of sensor integrations
4. Development of reinforcement strategies and integration of construction detailing for 3DCP
5. Planning and execution of fabrication experiments and full-scale prototypes using robotic systems

About SDU CREATE´s research environment

The Centre for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering is led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni. Dedicated to researching forward-thinking architectural concepts, SDU CREATE explores emergent technologies at the intersection of computational design, construction robotics, and material innovation to develop new forms of sustainable built environments. We are an international team of researchers with diverse backgrounds, working closely within interdisciplinary teams.

Situated within the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), the Centre benefits from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including large-scale architectural robotics, additive manufacturing, mixed-reality design and construction tools, and structural and mechanical testing equipment. Within this academic environment, we collaborate with scholars from various scientific domains, inspire students to impact their field and connect with leading academic and industrial partners worldwide.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Developing 3DCP research projects by assisting in experimental activities, design developments, and testing processes
• Developing and refining computational workflows for the design and fabrication with 3DCP
• Assisting in teaching responsibilities, including participation in seminars, studios, and workshops at bachelor's and master's levels
• Contributing to disseminating research results through conference presentations, exhibitions, digital platforms, and co-authoring publications
• Assisting in project management and organisational activities, including laboratory work coordination and communications within the Centre
• Engaging with national and international industrial and academic partners to support collaborative research initiatives
• Assisting senior staff in preparing applications for external research grants to expand the Centre’s resources and capabilities
• Helping to develop and maintain laboratory infrastructures, including robotic and fabrication systems used in 3DCP

The candidate's engagement in these activities will advance according to their growing experience, contributing to the Centre's excellence and supporting their academic development, ideally leading to a future PhD application.

Candidate Requirements
Applications are invited from candidates holding a master’s degree in architecture, civil or architectural engineering, or other relevant disciplines for the specified research areas. Candidates must demonstrate the following:

• A strong interest and foundational knowledge in 3D concrete printing, computational design, robotic fabrication, and material testing
• Proficiency in Grasshopper and Rhino; knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Python, C#) and finite element analysis is advantageous but optional
• A demonstrated motivation to pursue a PhD, evidenced by excellent academic performance and research potential
• Strong proficiency in English, both oral and written
• The ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills across graphical, written, and oral formats
• Experience in teaching assistance and participation in peer-reviewed publications is beneficial but not mandatory
• A proven track record of work in research and innovation projects
• Demonstrated engagement with academic or industry stakeholders in Construction 3D Printing

Contact information

For further information about this position and SDU CREATE's activities, please contact the Head of Center, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, at [email protected]. For additional information on the Center´s work, visit the website: www.create-sdu.com. 

If you encounter technical issues during the application process, please contact [email protected].

Application Procedure

Please ensure you have read the instructions on "How to apply" before submitting your application. 

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material. 

Your application must be submitted in English and should include the following documents, uploaded in the specified sequence and PDF format:

1. Curriculum Vitae, including academic and professional employment, descriptions of research projects, teaching and supervision experience, funding experience, awards, exhibitions, keynote and invited lectures, and computational skills.
2. List of Publications (if any), including attached articles that you wish to be assessed by the committee.
3. Verified Copies of Bachelor’s and Master's Diploma in English 
4. Motivation Letter including a research statement within the area of Construction 3D Printing (maximum of 5 pages). Outline your qualifications, research interests specific to the position and your goals 
5. Portfolio of Works (up to 15 pages) showcasing research, teaching, or professional projects.
6. Reference List: Include at least two references, providing names and email addresses. These references may be contacted during the selection process.

Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 

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 assessment and selection process
Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. 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 overall evaluation process.

Conditions of employment

The advertised position(s) lasts for 12 or 24 months. The ideal commencement date for the role is 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible. 

While this position has a fixed contractual term, there are concrete opportunities for further career development within the Centre, ideally leading to a doctoral position. 

The workplace is at SDU Odense in Denmark. 

Successful candidates will be employed according to the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for research assistants as described herein. 

For additional details regarding salary and taxation, please visit: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff/getting-settled.

The application deadline is January 10, 2025, at 23:59 (CET/CEST)

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

About SDU 

SDU creates value for and with society and shapes the future through high quality, talented people and outstanding environments. The University of Southern Denmark is a world-class university deeply rooted the Region of Southern Denmark. Since its founding, SDU has been driven by an ambition to promote research results that develop society. 

The major challenges of the 21st century are complex and multifaceted; sustainable change and solutions require new - often interdisciplinary - research-based knowledge, and the University of Southern Denmark is an indispensable stakeholder in the transition process. 

Value, quality, talented people and environmental excellence are the core of the University of Southern Denmark's strategic initiatives.