The posting
SDU Robotics is currently extending the team within the project CAPeX which focuses on robotics for laboratory automation. We therefore invite applications for one or more fully funded postdoc positions. The position is for a 2-year period with a starting date January 1, 2027, 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.
- An opportunity to collaborate with excellent researchers within the Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery
Job description
SDU Robotics currently has an open 2-year postdoc position in relation to CAPeX; specifically, for the development of a robotic solution for automation of laboratory experiments that require manipulation of tubes, fragile glass vials, and liquids. The robotic solution should be flexible in the sense that it should be able to conduct several experiments with little user-intervention, operate alongside humans, and recover from failures. Consequently, visual feedback must be used for adapting robot behavior to a dynamic environment. The postdoc should contribute to the deployment of the developed solution in laboratories in both SDU and DTU. The successful candidate will work closely with other PhDs and postdoc candidates in CAPeX.
As a postdoctoral researcher, your role will encompass mainly research, but teaching responsibilities could also be part of the employment. The main duties and responsibilities include:
- Research in collaboration with colleagues from SDU Robotics and CAPeX.
- Conducting scientific research and publishing the results in high quality scientific conferences/journals.
- Supporting the team in securing external funding.
- Contributing to the project CAPeX deliverables.
Profile and requirements
The position requires research experience at PhD level in a relevant area such as robotics, preferably applied to robotic systems controlled using visual feedback. The candidate is hence expected to have most of the following qualifications:
- Expert knowledge in the control of robots
- Experience in simulation of robotic systems
- Experience in design and development of robotic systems
- Experience with using computer vision.
Furthermore, the successful candidate is expected to:
- Have excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
- 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.
- Conduct independent research.
Research environment
The candidate will be integrated into the SDU Robotics unit, which is a team of approx. 60 employees. 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 for individual development.
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 group is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners.
We are a team specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, estimation, and control of advanced robot systems. In addition, the candidate will be integrated into CAPeX - a pioneer center for accelerating P2X materials discovery and working on automation of laboratory experiments.
CAPeX is a 13-year and 300 MDKK “Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery”, funded by Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, the Danish National Research Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the Villum Foundation. CAPeX is hosted by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and co-hosted by Aalborg University (AAU), and unites leading experts from DTU, AAU, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark with international partners from Stanford University, Utrecht University, and the University of Toronto to form a truly Pioneering Center on P2X. You can read more about the CAPeX research themes and X-trails, our organization, and the other open PhD and postdoc cohort positions at http://www.capex-p2x.com.
We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your academic growth as a researcher in SDU Robotics.
Further information
Further information about this position is available via email from Professor Christoffer Sloth [email protected].
Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics.
If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.
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.
Application
Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.
The application deadline is October 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.
Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the 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.
- Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
- List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications.
The application may also include:
- Research statement.
- Summary of experience in teaching.
- References (names and emails) and/or reference letters.
- Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for the position.
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 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
Applications will be assessed by an expert or 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.
Employment terms
Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from January 1, 2026. Extension may be possible depending on available funding (no more than 4 years at the same university).
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.
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 protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.
Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
