PhD Positions in Demonstration-Initialized Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Manipulation

SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more 3-year PhD positions, where the candidate will work on manipulation of flexible objects using industrial robots via demonstration-initialized reinforcement learning. The starting date is from September 1, 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
We are currently extending our team working on the MADE REACT project which focus on challenges within the design of robot solution for resilient high-mix low-volume manufacturing. 

The aim of this PhD project is to enable fast setup of robot manipulators to complete advanced manufacturing tasks by the use of digital models. This should be accomplished using methods such as reinforcement learning that should be initialized with information from human demonstrations. The developed method should be applied to the manipulation of flexible objects based on both visual and tactile information. The candidate will be responsible for developing detailed simulation models of both robots, sensors, and components to be assembled. In addition, the candidate should develop robust manipulation strategies and implement these in a real robot system.

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 (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) within a relevant robotics area or a similar field and the candidate is expected to have a profound knowledge on the majority of the following topics:

• Robot control
• Reinforcement learning 
• Simulation of robot dynamics
• Deployment of learning-based solutions

Preferably, the candidate has experience with: 

• Signal processing
• Experimental design and data analysis

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 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 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.

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

Further information about this position is available via email from Professor Henrik Gordon Petersen [email protected] or Professor Christoffer Sloth [email protected]. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]. 

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 August 14, 2025, at 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.
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).  
• 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. 
• 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: Please submit an official and verified 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.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

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). 

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.

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]. 

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 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.  

Conditions of employment
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment of a PhD Fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. 

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.138 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. Find more information on salary and taxation in Denmark.

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.

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).