Postdoc Positions within Robotics for Laboratory Automation

SDU Robotics is currently extending the team within the project CAPeX which focuses on robotics for laboratory automation. We therefore invite applications for one or more fully funded postdoc positions. The position is for a 2-year period with a starting date as soon as possible in 2026, 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.

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.

Job description

SDU Robotics currently has an open 2-year postdoc position in relation CAPeX; specifically, for the development of a robotic solution for automation of laboratory experiments that require manipulation of tubes, fragile glass vials, and liquids. The robotic solution should be flexible in the sense that it should be able to conduct several experiments with little user-intervention and operate alongside humans. Consequently, visual feedback must be used for adapting the robot behavior to the changing environment. The postdoc should contribute to the deployment of the developed solution in laboratories in both SDU and DTU. The successful candidate will work closely with other PhDs and postdoc candidates in CAPeX.

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

Profile and requirements
The position requires research experience at PhD level in a relevant area such as robotics, 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 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.

Research environment
The candidate will be integrated in 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. The group is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners.

We are a team specialized 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.

We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your academic growth as a researcher in SDU Robotics.

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, you must 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 January 31, 2026, at 23:59 (CET/CEST)

The application must be in English and must include the following:

• 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.
• Verified copies of official certificates/diplomas and transcripts of exams (MSc and PhD), both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications.

The application may also include:

• Research statement.
• Summary of experience in teaching.
• References (names and emails) and/or reference letters.
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for the position.

All files must be in English and must be in PDF format. All files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded under ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’.

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
Shortlisting may be used. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. . Read about shortlisting at SDU. Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Conditions of employment
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level.

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 as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

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.

Location
Odense M, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-31T22:59:00+00:00