Research positions in Simulation, digital twins and data reuse, for robotic applications (postdoc or research assistant)

To support our advancements in development of simulation based digital twin system and data reuse, SDU Robotics invites applications for fully funded postdoc position or research assistant position. The starting date is May 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter and will be agreed with the successful candidates. The positions will end April 30, 2027. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark.

The application deadline is the March 5, 2025, at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Research environment 
The candidates will be integrated in the unit SDU Robotics with a team of approx. 60 employees specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, estimation, and control of advanced robot systems. The 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 from real applications and implement novel robot solutions together with end users such as Novo Nordisk, Universal Robots, LEGO and Danfoss.

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.

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 130+ startups and established companies in robotics. 

Project description 
The candidates will be responsible for development of digital twin systems for robotic assembly based on the Nvidia Omniverse simulation and development platform as well as:

• Development and maintaining of simulation and code bases 
• Deployment of digital twins for real world problems
• Setup and maintenance of the developed code 
• Integration and development of AI methods in simulation and real systems

Profile and requirements 
The candidates will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial (dis)assembly and (re)manufacturing, artificial intelligence, control, AI algorithms and signal processing techniques. 

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, simulation, software engineering or similar/relevant area is required.

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

• Simulation Nvidia Isaac sim and other Omniverse software packages
• Software engineering and code development
• Data structures
• Programming skills (particularly in C++ or Python)
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Artificial intelligence

Preferably, the candidate has experience with: 

• Mechanical (CAD modelling) 
• Signal processing
• Experimental design and data analysis

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.

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

Further information about this position is available via email from Associate Aljaz Kramberger [email protected].  

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

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 procedure

Before applying the applicants are advised to read the SDU information on How to apply, and specific faculty information on How to apply – Academic staff.

The application deadline is the March 5, 2025, at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material. The application must be in English and must include the following:

• A motivation letter that clearly explains the applicant's interest, qualifications and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages) - remember to state if you apply for research assistant or postdoc.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation. 
• For postdoc applicants: PhD Certificates/Diplomas, both the original documents and in professional English translation. 
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications.

The application may also include:

• Summary of experience in teaching. 
• References (names and emails) and/or reference letters. 
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for the position. 

All files must be in English and must be in PDF format. All files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

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

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

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.

Conditions of employment for research assistant

Employment as a research assistant requires educational qualifications at minimum master’s level (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) at the time for employment. 

The employment as research assistant is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period. The starting date is May 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter and will be agreed with the successful candidate. The positions will end April 30, 2027.  

The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark. 

The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser. 

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

Conditions of employment for postdoc

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period. The starting date is May 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter and will be agreed with the successful candidate. The positions will end April 30, 2027.

The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser. 

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