SDU Biorobotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites highly motivated applicants for one or more 4-year tenure track assistant professor positions to strengthen and expand our activities in Soft Robotics and Bioinspired Systems. 

This position focuses on pioneering research that integrates the full soft robotics pipeline—from conceptual design to functional realization. We seek a candidate with a comprehensive and well-documented research profile, demonstrating a strong foundation in both theoretical and experimental robotics. The ideal applicant will bring expertise in the design and fabrication of soft robots, including the innovative use of functional materials such as metamaterials and composites, as well as experience in automated fabrication and mechanical characterization. A solid background in modelling and system identification is essential, with particular emphasis on data-driven and machine-learning–based approaches for soft and continuum systems. The candidate must also demonstrate proven experience in embedded perception—covering data acquisition, signal processing, and sensor integration—and in the development and implementation of advanced control strategies. Ultimately, we seek an individual with demonstrated capability in system integration: the ability to combine these disciplines into fully functional robotic systems for applications in bio-inspired locomotion, manipulation, and wearable technologies.

The positions are open from April 2026, and the specific start date will be agreed with the successful candidates. 

What we offer 

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Biorobotics—a rapidly growing section that integrates expertise in Soft Robotics and Embodied Neurorobotics.

• Access to advanced facilities for the design, characterization, and prototyping of soft robots, supporting cross-disciplinary research in soft robotics and biorobotics.

• Excellent opportunities for collaboration across SDU and with national and international academic and industrial partners, including the national Odense Robotics Cluster, in areas spanning soft robotics, medical robotics, drone technologies, and artificial intelligence.

• Strong support for professional development through the Lecturer Training Programme, mentoring, and a structured pathway toward tenure.

• An open and collaborative research culture within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering (TEK), fostering interdisciplinary innovation across disciplines.

What we expect 

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field, with a strong research profile in soft robotics and/or bio-robotics.

• Evidence of scientific productivity (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent) commensurate with career stage, and a clear vision for future research.

• Motivation and capability to build an independent research programme, secure external funding, and develop collaborative networks across disciplines and sectors.

• Commitment to excellence in teaching and supervision at BSc, MSc, and PhD levels, including experience with lecturing, tutoring, course development, and mentoring.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, and willingness to contribute to the strategic development of SDU Soft Robotics and the Biorobotics section.

Workplace description 

The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute is an internationally recognized institute, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. The institute is the origin of robotics research in Denmark and has spawned the world-renowned cluster of robotics in Odense with more than 140 robotics companies, including Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots. Learn more about our institute at https://www.sdu.dk/en/mmmi. 

The current research program of SDU Biorobotics focuses on bio-inspired and biomimetic robotics, in which Nature's exploitation of unconventional principles is of considerable interest. The Centre for Soft Robotics (SDU Soft Robotics) research is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity aimed at a systems level approach to soft robots, building on diverse expertise in embodied artificial intelligence, bioinspired design, aesthetics, and human-robot interaction. The research program seeks to elucidate appropriate design criteria for soft robots; how well-adapted soft bodies can be designed and deployed for given tasks, including collaboration with humans; how electronics and computing can be integrated into soft robotic solutions; and how local and distal sensing can be exploited in different environments. Learn more about the centre at https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sdu_biorobotics/research-areas/soft-robotics and www.softrobotics.dk

Further information 

For further information please contact Head of Department Kasper Hallenborg (email: hallenborg@sdu.dk) or Professor Ahmad Rafsanjani (ahra@sdu.dk).

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

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

• Motivated application.  

• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)

• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation). 

• Complete list of publications. 

• Publications most relevant to the position. 

• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching.  You may attach as a Teaching Portfolio. 

• A research statement (max 4 pages)

• References/reference letters may be included.

• 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 no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. 

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is February 15, 2026, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Tenure Track at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU

With the tenure track programme at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU, we offer an attractive career opportunity for promising scholars. The tenure track is aimed at the most talented scholars who have established a high level in their current research and other professional work, and those who possess exceptional potential to achieve the highest international level within their research area.

You enter the 4-year programme at assistant professor level and if successful you are promoted to associate professor by the end of the programme, provided an expert assessment committee confirms that you have acquired the international level of scholarly excellence characteristic of associate professors. Indicators of relevant scholarly merits include documented through independent scholarly output, ground-breaking publications, achievement of excellence grants, and international research network.

The tenure track at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU, includes annual performance and development reviews and a midterm evaluation with a written review by an expert panel to ensure the assistant professor’s track to tenured associate professorship. Finally, a formal academic assessment for permanent associate professorship is conducted by an internationally recognized expert assessment committee. If the final assessment is positive, the candidate will be offered a permanent position as associate professor. If the assessment is negative, the assistant professor can recommend a second assessment within the last six months of employment. Thus, a maximum of two academic assessments can take place.    

When part of the tenure track programme, the 4-year period as assistant professor may be extended by maternity leave, paternity leave and/or adoption leave.   

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

Appointment as a tenure track assistant professor is temporary and for an initial 4-year period, with guaranteed assessment for a permanent position as associate professor during the final year of employment. The preferred start date is from April 1, 2026.

During employment, the tenure track assistant professor will complete the Lecturer Training Programme. 

Employment as an assistant professor requires scientific qualifications at minimum PhD level at the time of employment. 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 with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for tenure track assistant professor as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. 

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

-

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our 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, 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.

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.