To support our advancements in Bayesian machine learning for robotics applications in industrial manufacturing and medical diagnosis, SDU Robotics invites applications for one or more fully funded Research Assistant positions. 

The positions are for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension. We aim for the starting date January 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 

Many AI models predict results with similar confidence in familiar situations they have been trained on and in new scenarios. This poses a challenge in safety- and performance-critical applications. If AI controls a collaborative robot, the consequences of its decision errors may cause serious damage to the physical world or harm the human operator. The MOTUS (MOnitoring and Testing of Uncertainty and Safety for Smart Co-bots) project develops methods to ensure robustness, performance, confidence estimation, and safety for AI-controlled robot arms in collaborative scenarios. The project is a collaboration between the University of Southern Denmark, the IT University of Copenhagen, DANFOSS Drives, Universal Robots and ROPCA. 

Further information about the MOTUS project here.

The candidate would be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing AI algorithms to control robot systems

• Investigating and implementing Bayesian ML methods to quantify decision-making uncertainty

• Applying the above to industrial assembly and medical diagnostic use cases

• Designing and conducting lab experiments 

• Assisting in the writing of scientific publications

Profile and requirements 
The candidates will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research activities within the areas of safe artificial intelligence, robot control, and robot imitation learning. The position requires a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) within robotics, computer science, data science, or related fields. The candidates are expected to have a profound knowledge on the majority of the following topics:

• Machine learning (deep neural networks)

• Bayesian machine learning

• Robotics

• Control systems

• Programming skills (Python, C++) and ML libraries (PyTorch, Tensorflow)

Preferably, the candidates have experience with: 

• Computer vision

• Experimental design and data analysis

• Simulation

• Industrial assembly

Furthermore, the successful candidates are expected to:

• Be able to work well and communicate expert knowledge in an interdisciplinary team as well as have the ability of working independently.

• Have high self-motivation to learn. 

• Have a strong sense of responsibility.

• Have excellent communication skills in English speaking and writing. 

Research environment 
SDU Robotics is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We are a team of currently appr. 60 researchers and engineers specialized in research and development of robot solutions and advanced robot systems within the medical, welfare and industrial domain. 

SDU Robotics is part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and located at the main Campus in Odense, at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster involving 120+ startups and established companies in robotics. 

The aim of the group is to solve challenging research problems derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. We participate in implementing the achieved results in real solutions with end users as Universal Robots, LEGO, national hospitals and Novo Nordisk.

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 growth as a researcher in SDU Robotics. 

Further information
Further information about this position is available via email from Associate Professor Iñigo Iturrate (inju@mmmi.sdu.dk).

Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics. 

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 the October 30, 2025, 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

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

• A motivation letter that clearly explains the applicant's interest, qualifications and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages).

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.

• Copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation.

The application may also include:

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

• References (names and emails) and/or reference letters. 

• 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.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘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.

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 employment 
The employment as research assistant is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period. The position is for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension. We aim for the starting date January 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the starting date 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 research assistant requires educational qualifications at minimum master’s level (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) at the time for 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 research assistant as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. 

People 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.