SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP), part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites application for a fully funded position as Academic Employee in the area of programming tasks in the Maritime Sector. The position will be vacant from 15. September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for a 1-year period – with the possibility of extension. Main work location is Odense/Denmark at SDU and Odense Havn (Odense Port).
Research environment
The candidate will be part of SDU’s newly established SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP). LSP’s central ambition is to provide a physical “go-to” lab for companies in the sectors maritime, construction and energy to carry out research, development and testing of novel solutions in the production of large structures, such as buildings, ships and offshore platforms. In this context, the candidate is expected to work closely with our industrial partners on application-oriented use cases, while helping to commission and operate the unique set of equipment of the center.
LSP is closely working together the companies at Odense Havn and similar partners making large structures across Denmark and Europe. LSP is integrated with Odense Robotics – National cluster for robotics involving startups and established companies in robotics. We are a team of currently 23 researchers, engineers and PhD students, specializing in robot solutions involving modelling, simulation, and control of advanced robot technologies (systems and services) for application-oriented industrial applications.
Our 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 derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. 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.
Job description
The position as Academic Employee is associated with projects in the sectors maritime, construction and energy. The overall objective of the project is to develop, control and demonstrate LSP’s robotic solutions for executing central production operations, such as welding, 3D concrete printing and composite layup. The main activities in the projects will be industrial R&D tasks carried out by LSP’s engineers in close collaboration with company partners.
The starting point for the candidates to develop their academic profile in LSP will be to work on so-called “zero programming” methods and tools to define a digital workflow from product design to production operations. Based on analyzing digital product descriptions, the candidate will develop detailed mode-, simulation, and data-based control strategies to carry out the required production operations, including multiple robots, tools, and sensors. Facilitating Digital Twins, these control strategies will then be further developed into control of the physical assets in LSP, i.e. its unique multi-purpose/multi-robot gantry system.
Profile and requirements
The candidate is expected to have most of the following qualifications:
- Documented education as engineer or technician
- Documented experience with simulation of industrial robots
- Strong programming skills (particularly in C/C++ and Python)
- Ability to work independently as part of an agile team, with a strong sense of responsibility
- Willingness to engage in application-oriented R&D, by closely interacting with company staff
In close teamwork with our researchers and staff from our industrial partners, the candidate will grow a hands-on expertise in robotic production operations, including robots, tools, and sensors.
Contact information
For further information, please contact Head of Center, Professor Christian Schlette via email [email protected] or on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/christian-schlette/.
The deadline for application is July 20, 2025 at 23.59.59 o'clock.
Employment shall take place in accordance with the framework agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.
We recommend that you read how to apply before you apply.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
