SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more fully funded 3-year PhD positions, where the candidate will work on different projects aimed at developing control frameworks for soft continuum surgical robots across various surgical applications, using techniques such as advanced sensing, AI-based and reinforcement learning (RL)-based control, and soft continuum robot simulation. The starting date is expected to be February 15, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter and will be agreed with the successful candidate. 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

Soft and continuum surgical robots represent a new generation of minimally invasive systems with superior dexterity and compliance, enabling navigation through complex anatomical structures such as blood vessels, the bronchial tree, and endoscopic pathways. Despite their potential, challenges remain in accurate modeling, sensing, and control due to their highly deformable and nonlinear nature. This PhD project aims to advance the navigation and control of soft and continuum surgical robots for applications in endovascular interventions, bronchoscopy, and endoscopy. The candidate will work across multiple projects that share a common foundation in sensing and control of soft robotic systems.

The research will focus on developing simulation and digital twin frameworks for soft and continuum robots, integrating advanced sensing technologies for shape and force estimation, and implementing sensor-based feedback control strategies. The project will also explore AI-based and reinforcement learning (RL)-based control approaches to enable intelligent and adaptive robotic behavior. In the later stages of the PhD, the developed control frameworks will be validated in ex-vivo and in-vivo environments, ensuring their effectiveness in realistic surgical scenarios. This interdisciplinary project provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and biomedical engineering, contributing to the next generation of intelligent surgical systems.

Profile and requirements
The candidate will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the area of robotics. The position requires a master’s degree (or equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) in a relevant field such as robotics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or computer science. The candidate is expected to have solid knowledge in most of the following areas:

• Robotics

• Control theory

• Deep Learning & Machine learning 

• Modelling and control of soft/continuum robots

• Experience with embedded systems programming

• (Preferably) with a strong background in mechanics or applied mathematics.

Preferably, the candidate has experience with: 

• Robotic simulation tools 

• Medical applications

• Sensors and actuators

• Scientific writing and presentation

• Previous publication is a plus point

Furthermore, the successful candidate is expected to:

• Have excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

• Have high self-motivation to learn. 

• Be able to work well and communicate expert knowledge in an interdisciplinary team.

• Have the ability of working independently.

• Have a strong sense of responsibility.

Research environment
The candidate will be integrated in the section SDU Robotics, which is at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster involving Universal Robots, Mobile Industrial Robots (MIR) and 120+ other companies. We are a team of appr. 60 researchers and engineers specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, estimation, and control of advanced robot technologies.

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 hospitals, Novo Nordisk, 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.

We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your academic growth as a researcher in SDU 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 Tenure Track Assistant professor Di Wu (diwu@mmmi.sdu.dk). 

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

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

The application deadline is December 14, 2025, at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

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

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

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.

• 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. 

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

• 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.

The application may also include:

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

• References (names and emails) and/or reference letters, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

• 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. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

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

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

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. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Conditions of enrolment/employment
The starting date is expected to be February 15, 2026, or as soon as possible and will be agreed with the successful candidate. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

Employment as a PhD Fellow is a 3-year salaried position and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.581 DKK If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step. Read more about the basic scale of the collective agreement. Employment and enrolment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

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 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 with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). 

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.

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.