The SDU Biorobotics section at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark in Odense seeks to recruit one professor and associate professor with expertise in soft robotics. The chosen applicants will be employed under the Center for Soft Robotics.
Research environment
MMMI is an internationally recognized institute, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. The institute is the origin of robotics research in Denmark and has spawned the world-renowned cluster of robotics in Odense with more than 140 robotics companies, including Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots. Learn more about our institute at https://www.sdu.dk/mmmi.
The current research program of SDU Biorobotics focuses, inter alia, on bio-inspired and biomimetic robotics, in which Nature’s exploitation of unconventional principles is of considerable interest. The Center for Soft Robotics research is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity aimed at a systems level approach to soft robots, building on diverse expertise in embodied artificial intelligence, bioinspired design, aesthetics, and human-robot interaction. The research program seeks to elucidate appropriate design criteria for soft robots; how well-adapted soft bodies can be designed and deployed for given tasks, including collaboration with humans; how electronics and computing can be integrated into soft robotic solutions; and how local and distal sensing can be exploited in different environments. Learn more about the center at https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sdu_biorobotics/research+areas/soft+robotics.
About the positions
We are seeking ambitious individuals with a passion for educating engineering students and conducting groundbreaking research. You will contribute to a vibrant research environment at SDU Biorobotics and conduct research on soft robotics and give courses in engineering-related disciplines to undergraduate and graduate students.
Preferred applicants will have a strong research track record, as well as evidence of successful funding acquisition, commensurate with the rank applied for. Experience in designing, building, and experimenting with physical robots and active collaboration with international interdisciplinary research teams is considered a plus. We especially welcome applications from applicants with a multi-disciplinary background, who in addition to expertise in soft robotics, have expertise in design aesthetics and a track record within human-robot interaction research and/or robotic art, or candidates with an outstanding research record in integration of soft materials and compliant structures for developing novel bioinspired soft robotic actuation and sensing technologies, with applications ranging from locomotion and grasping to wearables among others.
For both positions the preferred starting date is November 1, 2022, or soon thereafter.
We expect
- You to be a good collaborator who can work in a vibrant research and education environment and is able to disseminate your work successfully both to the scientific community and the public.
- You to teach soft robotics related courses and supervise students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
We offer
- A position where you will be contributing to a dynamic research center with state-of-the-art facilities while working in areas of tremendous potential and societal relevance.
- A vibrant and adventurous environment comprising research and teaching at international level in robotics, applied AI, drone and autonomous system technology, games and learning technology, software engineering, and health informatics and technology.
- Tight integration into a robotic-oriented ecosystem including the renowned Odense Robotics Cluster.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations across specialized centers and external entities.
- Excellent technical facilities both at the Institute and in the wider Engineering Faculty
Conditions of employment
The applicant should have a PhD degree within the mentioned research areas.
Employment as Associate Professor or Professor is a permanent position.
The successful applicants will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the 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.
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 professorship or associate professorship.
- A draft of your scientific research objectives indicating expectations for key questions, activities, outcomes, and potential sources of funding.
- Detailed curriculum vitae.
- Certificates/diplomas (MSc and PhD).
- Information on previous teaching and supervision experience. Please attach as Teaching Portfolio.
- List of publications and a max. of four selected research articles for consideration by the assessment committee. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication.
- Only for application for professorship: Documentation of leadership experience and demonstration of attracting external funding.
- Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.
The application deadline is September 1, 2022.
For further information please contact Head of Department Kasper Hallenborg (email: hallenborg@mmmi.sdu.dk).
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.
Send application
Deadline 2022-Sept-01
You can apply for the job at Faculty of Engineering by completing the application form