PhD Position on Automated Mapping and Identification of Large Structure Environments

SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP), part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for more or more PhD positions on the topic of automated mapping and identification of large structure environments. The positions will be vacant from 1 May 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a 3-year period. Main work location is Odense Denmark at SDU campus and Odense Havn (Odense Port).

Work environment

The candidate will be part of SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP). LSP’s central ambition is to provide a physical “go-to” lab for companies in the sectors construction, maritime, and energy to carry out research, development, and testing of novel solutions in the production of large structures, such as buildings, ships and offshore platforms. In this context, the candidate is expected to work closely with our academic and industrial partners on application-oriented methods and technologies, with the support of the unique set of equipment of the center. 

LSP is closely working together the companies at Odense Havn and similar partners making large structures across Denmark and Europe. LSP is integrated with the Odense Robotics Cluster involving startups and established companies in robotics. We are a team of currently about 20 researchers, engineers and PhD students, specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, simulation, and control of advanced robot technologies (systems and services) for application-oriented industrial applications. 

Our group is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We solve challenging research problems derived from real-life challenges by implementing novel robot solutions. 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 for individual development.

Job description

The Breeding Blanket Remote Handling (BBRH) facility at SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP) has a need for modelling tools capable for handling varying component changes, system modifications and operational trajectories. During testing the transporter will be handling two BB prototypes in variable configurations ranging up to 90 t of payload as well as other test loads, such as concrete slabs. These BBs and test loads will have different geometries, center of gravity, mass and DOF limitations, leading to changing load cases and dynamic behaviour. As future breeding blankets, test loads, trajectories and components evolve, an easily reconfigurable digital twin is needed to verify the performance of the system before physical testing in the BBRH facility. 

The project will address this need by developing a modular model and digital twin supported by vibration analysis to validate the properties of the system in different configurations. A major challenge lies in establishing a generalized sub-structuring method, where sub-models and interfaces can be created and connected in an easy way, without requiring extensive system knowledge or programming skills. The goal will be to develop a simple and robust interface concepts to enable replacement of system components with minimal effort while still maintaining a high model fidelity. 

Profile and requirements

The candidate is expected to have most of the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, preferably supported by first academic publications
• Documented experience with simulation and Digital Twins
• Strong mathematics skills and practical knowledge in 3D modelling
• Strong programming skills (particularly in C/C++ and Python)
• Documented knowledge in industrial robotics and kinematics
• Ability to work independently as part of an agile team, with a strong sense of responsibility
• Willingness to engage in application-oriented R&D, by closely interacting with partners

Contact information

For further information, please contact Professor Christian Schlette via email (chsch@mmmi.sdu.dk) or on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/christian-schlette/).

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

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

• Motivated application. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• 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). 

The application deadline is April 28, 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 enrollment/employment

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”.

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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.