The Biomedical Engineering Centre (BEC), Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 3-year PhD position within ultrasound-based 3D localization and visualisation of musculoskeletal anatomy. The position is available from August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the specific start date agreed upon with the successful candidate.

Project Description

Dynamic assessment of bone and joint motion remains a major challenge in musculoskeletal imaging. While MRI and CT provide high-resolution anatomical information, they are limited in their ability to capture movement. Freehand ultrasound offers a radiation-free and flexible alternative but reconstructing and registering sparse 3D point clouds derived from ultrasound data presents significant computational challenges.

This PhD project will investigate novel registration strategies for ultrasound-derived musculoskeletal point clouds. The work will focus on developing geometry-aware alignment methods that combine principled mathematical modelling with learning-based refinement. The aim is to enable robust 3D reconstruction and tracking of skeletal structures such as the femur and pelvis.

The research will build on ongoing developments in graph-based analysis of point cloud data and explore structured approaches to bone-wise alignment and rigid transformation estimation. The project combines methodological innovation with experimental validation using tracked ultrasound datasets acquired in collaboration with clinical partners.

The long-term objective is to support radiation-free, dynamic 3D visualisation of joint motion for applications in orthopaedics and surgical planning. The initial focus will be on pre-operative assessment and planning of cam resection to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

Workplace Description

The Biomedical Engineering Centre at SDU, Odense conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of biomechanics, medical imaging, robotics, and computational modelling. The successful candidate will join a growing research program focused on non-ionising imaging technologies for quantitative assessment of musculoskeletal function. 

BEC is committed to developing engineered solutions that are intuitive, practical, and accessible to clinical users. We use a need-driven approach to ensure the technologies we develop are fit for purpose and directly address real clinical challenges.

Qualifications and Expectations

Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, computer vision, applied mathematics, or a related discipline prior to enrolment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, C++ or similar)

• Solid foundation in linear algebra, geometry, and optimisation

• Experience with 3D data processing or point cloud analysis

• Familiarity with machine learning or data-driven modelling approaches

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

The following qualifications will be considered advantageous:

• Experience with medical image analysis or ultrasound data

• Knowledge of rigid body transformations and 3D registration problems

• Familiarity with graph-based methods or geometric deep learning

• Interest in musculoskeletal biomechanics or translational medical technologies

The PhD candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present results at international conferences, and contribute to teaching activities within the Faculty of Engineering.

Application, Assessment and Employment Conditions

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

• Motivated application, phrased as a brief statement of research interests and motivation

• Curriculum Vitae (including the names and contact details of two referees)

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts (original and an official English translation)

• Completed TEK PhD application form. 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.

• 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). 

The application deadline is April 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

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.

Conditions of enrolment/employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order) and 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”.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrolment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrolment approved by the PhD School.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff 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, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

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.