Job Description

The section of Digital and High-Frequency Electronics at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering invites applications for postdoctoral and assistant professor positions in Autonomous Robotic and Aerial Robotic System Design. The starting date is September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

What we offer

The positions involve conducting cutting-edge research on innovative electromechanical robotic systems integrated with advanced sensing technologies for next-generation maintenance operations. Both roles place a strong emphasis on system design and development across a range of robotic applications, with particular focus on high-voltage line inspection and maintenance, one of the section’s core research areas.

This work contributes to strengthening SDU Digital and High-Frequency Electronics’ internationally recognized leadership in advanced robotic solutions for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. A key focus will be the development of robust electromechanical designs, sensing systems, and control strategies capable of operating reliably and safely in electrically harsh environments, within the framework of the Robots4Green and FreeFly projects.

The research will bridge established and emerging competencies within the section, including FPGA and neuromorphic computing, Edge AI, machine learning, power electronics, and self-recharging technologies, fostering interdisciplinary innovation.

Your primary responsibilities as part of the section will include conducting high-quality research in electromechanical systems, including the development of robotic arms and aerial vehicles, as well as contributing to teaching activities through course development and supervision of BSc and MSc students in Electronics and Robotics. You will collaborate closely with leading researchers in robotics, digital systems, and high-frequency electronics, addressing critical societal challenges through your research. Furthermore, you will be expected to publish your work in high-impact journals and leading international conferences, and to actively contribute to securing external funding to support and expand the research area.

What we expect

• The applicant must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in electronics, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, embedded electronics, or a related subject area.
• The applicant is expected to have relevant research and teaching experiences that match the position's content and responsibilities.
• The applicant is expected to have expertise in the design and optimization of electrical and mechanical components, system integration, experimental design, and both laboratory and real-world testing and validation.
• For the Assistant Professor position, a minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience is required.

Workplace description

The section focuses on conducting research in digital and high-frequency electronics, embedded systems, control, and communication, utilizing cutting-edge reconfigurable computing and sensors. The aim is to develop next-generation electronics and computing solutions that solve technology-related challenges in fields such as autonomous robots, drones, IoT, smart grid, and healthcare.

The section is a vital component of our educational programs in Electrical Engineering in Odense, offering Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Electronics Engineering. Currently, the section focuses on three research fields: 1) Drones for Infrastructure Inspections and Interactions 2) Real-time processing, and 3) optimized power electronics. The section currently has 18 academics, including professors, PhD students, and engineers, to support research, industrial collaboration, and educational activities, and is growing steadily.

The SDU campus in Odense contains five faculties and soon a large university hospital, creating a great concentration of academics and students, facilitating interdisciplinary research and a rich student life. The city of Odense is culturally rich, surrounded by a vibrant and growing robotics community, and highly livable with a green-banked meandering river cutting through the center, and attractive residential areas.

For further information about the position, please contact the Head of Digital and High-frequency Electronics Section, Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid, e-mail: esme@sdu.dk

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• A motivation letter clearly outlining the applicant’s interest, qualifications, and motivation for the position (maximum 2 pages), specifying the position applied for (Postdoc or Assistant Professor).
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including personal contact information, describing the research, along with any other relevant information, e.g. teaching experience, computational skills, etc.
• A research plan with a focus on the development of your research line and research team.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
• List of publications with the most relevant publications highlighted.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• and documentation of teaching experience. You may attach a Teaching Portfolio
• Up to three names and emails of researchers can provide an informed reference letter at short notice. (Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.)
• 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).

The application deadline is August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

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

The appointments are temporary for an initial 2-year period (for the postdoc position) or 3-year period (for the assistant professor position). Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

During employment, the assistant professor will complete the Lecturer Training Programme

Employment as a postdoctoral fellow and assistant professor requires academic qualifications at a minimum of 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 including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for either postdoc or assistant professor as described therein. Further information on salary and taxation. Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff 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, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

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.