SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more 3-year PhD positions, as part of the newly launched ROBOWELL project. The starting date is from August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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.

Project description
As part of the newly launched ROBOWELL project, we are now seeking a talented and motivated PhD candidate.

ROBOWELL aims to develop a Nordic model for the integration of social robots in welfare services, including elderly care. The project brings together partners from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and the successful candidate will be part of a strong interdisciplinary and international collaboration, collaborating with PhD fellows at partner institutions.

At SDU Robotics, the candidate will become part of a dynamic research environment with ongoing projects in robotics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction, and will contribute to both research and teaching activities within the unit. We are embedded in a strong national and international network and collaborate closely with the Center for Clinical Robotics, located at SDU and Odense University Hospital, providing unique opportunities for translational research in real-world healthcare settings.

Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in robotics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related, relevant field by the time of employment. Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are also encouraged to apply.

Strong competencies in most of the following areas are expected:

• Human-Robot Interaction

• Experiment design

• Robot systems integration (mechanics, electronics, control)

• Computer Vision

Familiarity with the welfare or health-care domain would be considered an advantage, but not essential.

In addition, the candidate should:

• Have experience with ROS and object-oriented programming

• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English

• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams

• Communicate fluently in Danish (preferred) or another Scandinavian language

Research environment 
SDU Robotics is a unit within the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU). We are a team of approximately 60 employees based in Odense. We actively work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to develop new technologies and scientific knowledge. Our research contributes to novel solutions with applications in industrial automation, lab automation, welfare, and healthcare. Furthermore, the unit has a long-standing tradition of collaboration with industrial partners.

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

We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your growth as a researcher within the field of robotics.  

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 Professor Leon Bodenhagen (lebo@mmmi.sdu.dk) or Associate Professor Oskar Palinko (ospa@mmmi.sdu.dk ).

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

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

The application deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

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

• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages). 

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). 

• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.

• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 

• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 

• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

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.  

Conditions of employment/enrollment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.608 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). 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 job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

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