The Biomedical Engineering Centre (BEC), Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) together with the soft robotics group of Prof Perla Maiolino from the University of Oxford, invites applications for a 3-year PhD position within the field of soft prosthetics. The position is available from September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the specific start date agreed upon with the successful candidate.

Project Description

The field of prosthetics is rapidly evolving due to new approaches in terms of control, manufacturing and materials. New control paradigms, such as breathing powered-control, are providing novel insights into how quickly patients can learn how to control a prosthetic device. At the same time the field of soft robotics is showcasing how movements can be made more fluent, whilst expanding the range of activities that can be completed with them. Additionally, tactile sensing is used to improve the performance by proving better feedback for control.    

One of the most interesting developments in soft prosthetics is related to upper limbs, where dexterity, control and environmental interaction are essential to create functional systems. There is a special interest in investigating solutions for younger users that can operate in low-resource settings. 

This PhD project will aim to develop a novel soft prosthetic hand that can be actuated or controlled by applying body-initiated changes. It will leverage concepts from soft robotics, biomedical engineering, materials and signal processing. The developed solution should meet real-world engineering requirements for application in low-resource settings.

Workplace Description

The Biomedical Engineering Centre at SDU conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of biomechanics, sensing, robotics, and computational modelling. The successful candidate will join a growing research program focused on creating novel medical devices. 

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, physics, or a related discipline prior to enrolment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent knowledge of CAD and additive manufacturing

• (Virtual) prototyping experience 

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

• Experience with statistical techniques for performance evaluation

• 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 device development

• Design or robotics engineering experience

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

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

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

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

• Curriculum Vitae.

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

• Two letters of recommendation.

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

• 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.

• 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 application deadline is July 1, 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.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.075 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”.

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.