Postdoc positions within Robot Control for Laboratory Automation

SDU Robotics is currently extending the team within the project CAPeX which focuses on laboratory automation. We therefore invite applications for one or more postdoc positions. The position is for a 2-year period with a starting date as soon as possible in 2025, which 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.

Research environment

The candidate will be integrated into the unit SDU Robotics, 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 of 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. 

We specialize 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. 

The automation of laboratory experiments concerning materials for Power2X is challenging as it involves manipulation of flexible objects and assembly of fragile objects that are damaged if excessive forces are applied. Also, requirements for correct and traceable operation are pivotal in laboratory environments; thus, guarantees for correct behavior despite uncertainties must be provided. This project will integrate visual sensing and force sensing to obtain effective and agile handling of flexible and fragile objects. The successful candidate will work closely with other PhD and postdoc candidates in CAPeX.

Job description

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.
• Participation in ongoing and future research projects.
• Contributing to the project CAPeX deliverables. 

Profile and requirements

The position requires research experience at PhD level in a relevant area such as robotics and control preferably applied to robotic manipulators controlled with visual feedback. The candidate is hence expected to have most of the following qualifications:

• Expert knowledge in the control of robots
• Experience in visual servoing 
• Experience in simulation of robotic systems
• Experience in design and development of robotic systems

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. 

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 [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.

Application procedure 

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply. 

The application deadline is August 14, 2025, at 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. 
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation 
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position (max 2).
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position. 
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• 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, you must 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

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period. 

The postdoc position is for a 2-year period with a starting date as soon as possible in 2025, which 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.

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 with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation.

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.