DIAS Fellow in Engineering within Robotics

Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark - SDU); Odense; On-site; DKK 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Danish Institute for Advanced Study at Syddansk Universitet is seeking a tenure track Fellow (Assistant Professor level) in robotics. The role focuses on conducting high-quality research, particularly in vision-based handling and laboratory automation.

Applicants should have a PhD in relevant fields and demonstrate research excellence. This position allows for significant engagement in interdisciplinary activities while maintaining reduced teaching obligations.

Qualifications

• Research experience in robotics control, modeling, and computer vision.
• Demonstrated curiosity-driven research excellence.
• Experience applying for external funding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to high-quality research in robotics.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research and dialogue.
• Participate in DIAS activities and cooperation.

Skills

Research experience in computer vision

Fluency in English

Potential for attracting external research funding

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant fields

Job description

Position Overview

The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) seek an outstanding candidate to fill a tenure track Fellow (Assistant Professor level) position in the field of robotics.

Preferred start date: January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: September 15, 2026, 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to high‑quality research in robotics, including vision‑based handling of laboratory equipment, segmentation of medical specimens, and related laboratory automation.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research and dialogue within DIAS and the Department.
• Participate in DIAS activities and interdisciplinary cooperation across faculties, departments, national and international partners.
• Carry out teaching with reduced obligations compared to a standard professorship at SDU, allowing more time for research and leadership activities.

Qualifications

• Research experience in computer vision fields related to laboratory automation. This includes vision‑based handling of laboratory equipment (glassware and fluids), segmentation and handling of medical specimens and fluids.
• PhD or equivalent in robotics, robotics control, modelling, computer vision, medical/industrial robotics, or artificial intelligence.
• Demonstrated curiosity‑driven research excellence that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
• Fluency in English.
• Potential for attracting external research funding; experience applying for external funding and a strong international network are considered advantages.
• Research publications that demonstrate excellence and broad thinking.

Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS)

DIAS at SDU is a hub for interdisciplinary excellence, bringing together outstanding researchers from various disciplines to foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and bold innovation. Researchers affiliated with DIAS are expected to contribute actively to DIAS activities and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across faculties and departments, nationally and internationally.

Maersk Mc‑Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI)

The MMMI is an internationally recognized institute that has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. It serves as the origin of robotics research in Denmark and has fostered the world‑renowned cluster of robotics in Odense with more than 130 robotics companies.

SDU Robotics

SDU Robotics conducts research in robotics and computer vision, focusing on real‑world robotics applications within manufacturing industries, hospitals, elderly care, and other partners. Research areas include mathematical modeling and control of robots, robotic processes and robot systems, human‑robot interactions, vision technologies for industrial part feeding, automated product assembly, quality inspection, biomedical segmentation, and simulation technologies for robotics and computer vision.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The University of Southern Denmark is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected status.