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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, as part of the newly launched ROBOWELL project. The starting date is from August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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
As part of the newly launched ROBOWELL project, we are now seeking a talented and motivated PhD candidate.
ROBOWELL aims to develop a Nordic model for the integration of social robots in welfare services, including elderly care. The project brings together partners from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and the successful candidate will be part of a strong interdisciplinary and international collaboration, collaborating with PhD fellows at partner institutions.
At SDU Robotics, the candidate will become part of a dynamic research environment with ongoing projects in robotics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction, and will contribute to both research and teaching activities within the unit. We are embedded in a strong national and international network and collaborate closely with the Center for Clinical Robotics, located at SDU and Odense University Hospital, providing unique opportunities for translational research in real-world healthcare settings.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in robotics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related, relevant field by the time of employment. Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are also encouraged to apply.
Strong competencies in most of the following areas are expected:
Human-Robot Interaction
Experiment design
Robot systems integration (mechanics, electronics, control)
Computer Vision
Familiarity with the welfare or health-care domain would be considered an advantage, but not essential.
In addition, the candidate should:
Have experience with ROS and object-oriented programming
Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English
Be able to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
Communicate fluently in Danish (preferred) or another Scandinavian language
Research environment
SDU Robotics is a unit within the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU). We are a team of approximately 60 employees based in Odense. We actively work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to develop new technologies and scientific knowledge. Our research contributes to novel solutions with applications in industrial automation, lab automation, welfare, and healthcare. Furthermore, the unit has a long-standing tradition of collaboration with industrial partners.
We value teamwork, professional diligence, enthusiasm for robotics and the drive to adopt new skills and extended responsibilities. We offer an open, international working environment with flexible work organization and support for individual development.
We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your growth as a researcher within the field of robotics.
Further information
Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics.
Further information about this position is available via email from Associate Professor Leon Bodenhagen (lebo@mmmi.sdu.dk) or Associate Professor Oskar Palinko (ospa@mmmi.sdu.dk ).
If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.
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
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 June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)
Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:
Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages).
Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.
Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an 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: An official 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.
All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.
SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).
If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.
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/enrollment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.608 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. 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 including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment.
Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
Postdoc in Phenomenological Psychology or Psychiatry
A position as postdoc (full-time) is vacant at the Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark.
The position is limited to two years. Preferred start date is September 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
About the research project
The postdoc will join the project; Understanding Experiences of Mood Disturbances in Depression, funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark and led by Anthony Vincent Fernandez. The four-year project aims to develop an initial taxonomy of mood disturbances experienced by people diagnosed with depression, disambiguating poorly defined symptom constructs, such as “depressed mood”. This research is intended to contribute to more precise systems of classification and diagnosis, helping to parse the heterogeneity of conditions and experiences currently captured by the category of major depressive disorder.
The project uses an innovative combination of qualitative and philosophical methods, including in-depth, phenomenological interviews with people living with depression; an online survey of how psychiatrists understand mood disturbances in depression; and both qualitative and philosophical approaches to analyzing the generated data.
The project includes an interdisciplinary team of researchers from philosophy, psychology, and psychiatry. The postdoc will join for the first two years of the project, which focus primarily on the generation and analysis of qualitative data. Some interview data has already been collected, and data analysis will be carried out collectively by the research team.
Your job responsibilities
As postdoc in phenomenological psychology or psychiatry, your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. You will work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues on your project.
Your primary responsibility will be to carry out phenomenological qualitative interviews with people diagnosed with depression and collaborate on the analysis of interview data. While we have recruitment partners in Denmark, it is also possible to carry out interviews with participants in your native language outside of Denmark. If you are unable to carry out interviews in Danish, please include a brief description of your proposed recruitment strategy, including current relationships with potential recruitment partners, in your application documents. As a secondary responsibility, you will collaborate on a large-scale, open-ended online survey of how psychiatrists understand mood disturbances in depression.
Your main tasks will consist of:
• Recruiting study participants and establishing and maintaining relationships with recruitment partners
• Carrying out phenomenological qualitative interviews and analyzing interview transcripts
• Designing and distributing an open-ended online survey and analyzing survey data
• Publishing and disseminating research
Secondary tasks may consist of:
• Organizing project-related events, such as workshops and conferences
• Engaging in public-facing science communication
• Teaching and supervising
Research Environment
The postdoc will join an interdisciplinary group specializing in the development and application of phenomenological methods, especially to the study of complex health conditions and interventions. Group members study a wide range of topics, such as depression, pain, ecological anxiety, psychotherapy, and freediving, drawing on approaches from a range of fields, including philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and the cognitive sciences.
The group puts considerable emphasis on the personal and professional development of group members, with the aim of providing all members with the knowledge, skills, and achievements required for a successful academic career. The postdoc will therefore create a career development plan in collaboration with the project leader, and will have ample opportunities to develop their academic skills with the support of the broader group, which includes postdocs, PhD students, and master’s students.
The project includes international collaborators in Europe and the US, as well as an interdisciplinary, international advisory board. Collaborators and advisory board members will be invited to workshops and conferences at SDU, providing opportunities for the postdoc to expand their international network.
The postdoc will also have 10,000 DKK (approx. €1400) allocated for research, networking, or conference travel each year. Additional funding may be available for project-related travel.
Expectations of qualifications
You should have academic qualifications at PhD level in psychology, psychiatry, or a related discipline. You should have a strong background in qualitative methods, with general knowledge of phenomenological qualitative methods and theory-driven approaches to qualitative research. Background in phenomenology as a philosophical tradition, as well as the field of phenomenological psychopathology, will be an advantage. Clinical training and experience (e.g., carrying out clinical assessments, conducting psychotherapy) will also be an advantage.
You have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. You should also be able to work independently, with minimal supervision, for extended periods of time (e.g., when recruiting, scheduling, and carrying out interviews).
We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English. Fluency in other languages, including Scandinavian languages, may be an advantage.
Further information
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Anthony Vincent Fernandez (afernandez@health.sdu.dk ).
Your place of work will be at the Department of Psychology, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Application deadline and interviews
The application deadline is May 21st, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CEST). We expect to conduct interviews in June.
Terms of employment
• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The base salary will be approximately 39,237.41 DKK (€5,250) per month. For more information please visit here: https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/retsinfo/2021/10084 .
• Additional supplement(s) can be negotiated depending on experience, special qualifications and performance of special functions.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Travel and moving expenses may be covered according to the employee in question and, to a limited extent, the accompanying family.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below.
We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.
Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.
Your application must include the following as PDF files:
Please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total).
1. a motivation letter
2. a detailed CV
3. a description of prior research experience, as well as skills and knowledge relevant to the position (max. 2 pages). If you would recruit participants outside of Denmark, the recruitment strategy should also be included in this document.
4. a document with contact details for two academic references
5. degree certificates (including a Ph.D.-diploma)
6. a complete and numbered list of publications
7. Up to 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please note that a copy of each publication must be attached as a pdf file.
It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.
Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application
Incomplete applications regarding the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.
Applications may be shortlisted
The University wishes our staff to reflect on the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-support@sdu.dk .
International applicant?
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.
The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.
About SDU
SDU creates value for and with society and shapes the future through high quality, talented people and outstanding environments.
The University of Southern Denmark is a world-class university driven by an ambition to promote research results that develop society. The major challenges of the 21st century are complex and multifaceted; sustainable change and solutions require new – often interdisciplinary – research-based knowledge, and the University of Southern Denmark is an indispensable stakeholder in the transition process.
Value, quality, talented people and outstanding environments are pivotal for the University of Southern Denmark’s strategic initiatives.
Read more: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu
Om os
Syddansk Universitet er sat i verden for skabe værdi for og med samfundet. Uanset om vores bidrag kommer i form af fremragende forskning, innovative løsninger, uddannelse eller læring, så skal vi gøre en positiv forskel for samfundet og bidrage til en bæredygtig fremtid. Det gør vi ved at dyrke talenter og skabe de bedste miljøer for forskning og læring. Det er derfor afgørende, at SDU fastholder, udvikler og rekrutterer talenter. Samtidig skal vi sikre konstant høj kvalitet i alle vores aktiviteter – det kan vi kun med de rette mennesker. Det er universitetets forskere, undervisere, studerende, ledere og teknisk-administrative personale, der udgør fundamentet for vores succes.
