SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for applications for fully funded postdoc position or research assistant position, where the candidates will work under the NeuroSNAKE/VP-GRACE project, which focuses on the mechanical and mechatronic design of continuum surgical robots, with applications in neurosurgery and endovascular interventions, as well as sensing and control of such robotics systems. The positions are for one year and the starting date will be agreed with the successful candidates. 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 
The successful candidates will be responsible for one of the following overarching research and development tasks, depending on background and expertise:

1) Mechanical and Mechatronic Design of Continuum Surgical Robotic Systems

This task focuses on the design, development, and experimental validation of continuum surgical robotic systems with potential applications in endovascular interventions or neurosurgery. Responsibilities include:

• Design and construction of miniaturized continuum robotic hardware systems

• Integration of miniaturized actuators and sensors into continuum robotic platforms

• Calibration and experimental validation of the developed robotic systems, including performance evaluation and benchmarking

2) Sensing and AI-Based Control of Continuum Surgical Robots

This task focuses on advanced sensing, perception, and intelligent control of continuum surgical robotic systems. Responsibilities include:

• Integration of advanced sensing technologies with continuum robotic systems and development of associated sensing and estimation algorithms

• Path planning based on medical imaging data (e.g., MRI, CT, angiography)

• Development of AI-based control methods for continuum robots.

• Validation and experimental evaluation of control algorithms on robotic platforms

Profile and requirements 
The candidates will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the areas of medical/surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, and control. 

The position as research assistant requires a master’s degree and the position as postdoc requires a PhD degree. In both cases an educational background within robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or similar area is required.

The candidate is expected to have a profound knowledge on the majority of the following topics:

For 1) Mechanical and Mechatronic Design of Continuum Surgical Robotic Systems

• Mechanical/Mechatronics design with CAD software

• Rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting)

• Medical and surgical robotics design

• Embedded systems programming

• Robot Operating System (ROS) experience

Preferably, the candidate has experience with: 

• Continuum robot design

For 2) Sensing and AI-Based Control of Continuum Surgical Robots

• Embedded systems programming

• Robot Operating System (ROS) experience

• Medical imaging analysis

• Surgical path and motion planning

• Artificial intelligence

Furthermore, for both positions, previous publications in major robotics journals or conferences are a plus, and the successful candidates are expected to:

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

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

• Have high self-motivation to learn. 

• Have the ability of working independently. 

• Have a strong sense of responsibility.

Research environment 
The candidates will be integrated in the unit SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), 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 to Assistant Professor Di Wu diwu@mmmi.sdu.dk. 

If you experience technical problems, you must 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
Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

The application deadline is February 1, 2026, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

The application must be in English and must include the following:

• A motivation letter that clearly explains the applicant's interest, qualifications and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages) - remember to state if you apply for research assistant or postdoc.

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages) including personal contact information.

• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation. Please clarify the academic level of your undergraduate and master’s grades within your respective fields, and indicate their approximate ranking and percentile among all students in the cohort, in case you have the documentation.

• For postdoc applicants: PhD Certificates/Diplomas, both the original documents and in professional English translation. 

• List of publications and maximum 3 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications.

The application may also include:

• Two reference letters, or one letter plus two referee contacts (containing at least names, emails and phone).

• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for the position. 

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). 

If you experience technical problems, you must 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.

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

Read about the Assessment and selection process. Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Assessment is based on the application material. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.

Conditions of employment for research assistant 
Employment as a research assistant requires educational qualifications at minimum master’s level (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) at the time for employment. The starting date will be agreed with the successful candidates and is for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension depending on available funding. 

The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

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.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation. 

Conditions of employment for postdoc
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. The starting date will be agreed with the successful candidates and is for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension depending on available funding.

The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The Faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

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.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.