Assistant professorship or Associate professorship on robotization of large structure production

SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the area of model-, simulation- and data-based analysis and control of robotic operations carried out by gantry systems. The position will be vacant from 1 October 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for a 3-year period. Main work location is Odense/Denmark at SDU and Odense Havn (Odense Port).

Research environment
The candidate will be part of the ramp-up of SDU’s newly established 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 contribute to commissioning and operating the unique set of equipment of the center.

LSP is integrated in the unit SDU Robotics that is at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster involving 130+ startups and established companies in robotics. We are specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, simulation and control of advanced robot technologies (systems and services) for industrial, welfare and medical 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 candidate will take a central role in shaping SDU’s LSP program by engaging with industrial partners and defining and executing new application-oriented services based on the equipment of the center; where services may reach from publicly funded (inter-)national projects, over test and experimentation projects of novel equipment or processes, to low volume production of novel products.

The starting point for the candidate to further develop their academic profile in LSP will be the development of Digital Twin-based solutions for analyzing, simulating and controlling complex robotic operations with the aim to yield well-defined digital workflows from product design to production operations that are proven in real-life experiments.

The candidate will contribute to the academic profile as well as the education programs of SDU Robotics. Regarding the academic profile, this will encompass contributing to leadership of SDU Robotics and a responsible role in building up and increasing the visibility and impact of the LSP research team. Regarding education, the candidate is expected to contribute as lecturer and supervisor to the existing program, as well as to support the development of new industry-oriented educational offerings in the context of LSP.

Profile and requirements
The candidate is expected to have most of the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in engineering with outstanding academic track record
• Strong track record of acquiring and coordinating publicly and/or privately funded projects
• Strong track record of directly engaging with industrial partners in application-oriented projects
• Strong track record of building and developing a successful research team
• Documented experience as (co-)supervisor of PhD students
• Documented experience in supervision of bachelor and/or master theses
• Documented experience in teaching on bachelor and/or master level
• Documented knowledge in industrial robotics and various types of simulation
• Strong programming skills (particularly in C/C++ and Python)
• Strong mathematics skills and practical knowledge in 3D modelling
• 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
• Readiness to take a proactive role in a highly motivated and ambitious international team

Contact information
For further information, please contact Professor Christian Schlette via email (chsch@mmmi.sdu.dk) or on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/christian-schlette/).

If you experience technical problems you must contact support-sdujob@sdu.dk.

Conditions of employment
Employment as an assistant or associate professor requires scientific qualifications at PhD level.

Employment as an associate professor is a permanent position. Employment as an assistant professor is for an initial period of 3 years and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process. Shortlisting may be used.

Application procedure
The faculty expects applicants to read How to apply before applying.

The application must be in English and must include:

• A motivational cover letter indicating whether you are applying for an associate or assistant professorship position.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD).
• Information on previous teaching and supervision experience. Please attach as Teaching Portfolio.
• List of publications indicating the publications attached.
• Examples of the most relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication.
• Reference letters and names of references may also be included.
• Other relevant qualifications may also be included.

The application deadline is 15. September 2022.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Apply now