Imagine a world where food production harmonises with natural processes, farmers nurture healthy soils, and biodiversity thrives. In contrast, current monoculture farming systems undermine this future.
Can you see how Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Robotics can open up opportunities for autonomously operating agricultural robots? Are you passionate about making agriculture more sustainable? If you share our passion for technology and the difference it can make in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, perhaps you are one of our two new PhD students.
At DTU Electro you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible in safe operation of autonomous agricultural vehicles. These are needed to enable better land use and management. This project promotes sustainable economic growth and higher levels of technological innovation. It will benefit society and create a safer and smarter world by providing decent work for all. Furthermore, autonomous robots will make current labour-intensive cultivation systems (e.g., stripcropping, targeted mechanical weed control, etc.) profitable, contributing to increased biodiversity locally and reducing the need for insecticide use.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The two PhD projects are funded by a grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation for the project "Robotic Intercropping." The project involves four research partners from Denmark and the Netherlands.
Thus, these 2 PhD projects will be an integral part of a broader research team, consisting of collaborating partners with a common passion for autonomous agricultural robotics and new sustainable farming practices.
The PhD projects will be combining new sensor systems and perception algorithms. So, if you are one of the 2 selected applicants, your primary research focus will include some of the following topics:
- Advanced sensor fusion and multimodal AI models for robotic intercropping. Self-supervised learning will generate multimodal agricultural pre-trained AI models. Identifying relevant modalities to enhance prediction performance, with a focus on multi-spectral sensors, will be a key research area. Additionally, anomaly detection for modalities other than RGB will be actively researched.
- Exploring 3D canopy modelling and plant growth dynamics for digital twin integration. Self-supervised learning will generate multi-modal agricultural pre-trained AI models. Identifying relevant modalities to enhance prediction performance, with a focus on multi-spectral sensors, will be a key research area. Additionally, anomaly detection for modalities other than RGB will be actively researched.
Apart from the topics above, your own background, research interests and passion will be considered when defining your specific PhD project description.
Furthermore, you will:
- You will be responsible for the sensor system and the perception algorithms of an autonomous mobile robot.
- You will engage in research around deep learning and 2D/3D computer vision for a well-defined real problem.
- You will participate in the integration and field testing of robotic platforms, together with our other high-profile partners from the Robotic Intercropping project.
At DTU, you will be part of the Perception and Cognition for Autonomous Systems Group (PCAS), and you will find yourself among multiple PhD students and senior researchers working on multiple aspects of autonomous robotics and systems. Your PhD project will result in scientific publications and experimental validation of your results. You will present at international conferences as part of your research training, and you will, in addition, sharpen your didactics skills through experience as a teaching assistant.
You must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent field, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Additionally, it would be nice to have any experience with some of the following:
- Specialization in machine learning, computer vision, or robotic perception would be an advantage.
- Experience with sensor fusion techniques and various sensor technologies would be an advantage.
- Experience with open-source tools for machine learning, computer vision, or robotics would be an advantage.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Lazaros Nalpantidis, +45 5162 1776, lanalpa@dtu.dk
You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Electro has more than 300 employees with electrical and photonics engineering competencies. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.