PhD Positions in Bio-Inspired Flying Robot Design for Powerline Inspection

The section of Digital and High-Frequency Electronics at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is opening three PhD positions in the area of digital and embedded electronics, energy harvesting, and bioinspired design for flying robotic technologies. The starting date is August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.   

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.  Over the next few years, the section is expected to expand to include at least 30 academics, including PhD students and engineers, to support research funding, industrial collaboration, and educational activities. This growth will enable the section to continue its contribution to the field of electrical engineering and related areas. 

The SDU campus in Odense comprises five faculties and soon also a large university hospital creating a great concentration of academics and students facilitating interdisciplinary research and 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 centre and attractive residential areas. 

Job Description

We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to join the Carlsberg Accomplish, FreeFly project, an ambitious research project focused on developing a birdlike flying robot for autonomous powerline inspection. Three distinct PhD positions are available: 

PhD 1 – Energy Harvesting for Bio-Inspired Flying Robots 

You will investigate, analyze, and design novel energy-harvesting techniques that enable soft aerial robots to power their flight using the strong magnetic fields surrounding high-voltage powerlines. Your work will contribute to creating self-sustaining robotic systems capable of infinite flight missions. 

PhD 2 – AI-Driven Navigation and Control for Aerial Robots 

You will design and develop advanced navigation, control, and decision-making systems for aerial robots using state-of-the-art AI-methods. This includes exploring spiking neural networks accelerated by FPGA/MPSoC platforms to meet real-time robotics requirements. Your research will advance the autonomous capabilities of our self-recharging inspection drones. 

PhD 3 – Bio-Inspired Ornithopter Design 

You will focus on the design and development of a lightweight ornithopter capable of mimicking bird behavior, particularly in following the curvature of powerlines. Your work will integrate biomechanics, aerodynamics, and robotics to create a highly maneuverable inspection platform. 

General Responsibilities 

As a PhD student on this project, you will: 

• Conduct cutting-edge research contributing to the development of a birdlike autonomous flying robot for powerline inspection. 
• Participate in teaching activities, including course planning and instruction in relevant subject areas. 
• Collaborate closely with fellow PhD students, postdocs, and other members of the research group in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. 

We are looking for detail-oriented, self-driven individuals with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. 

Required Qualifications 

• A completed BSc and MSc degree in electronics, robotics, mechatronics, autonomous systems, or a closely related discipline. Applicants in the final semester of their master’s program are also encouraged to apply. 
• Strong technical skills in areas such as digital electronics, hardware programming (FPGA/MPSoC), embedded hardware architectures, mechanical design, and wireless energy-harvesting technologies. 
• Demonstrated ability in academic writing, including preparing scientific reports, documentation, and research publications. 

Please indicate in your application which PhD position you are applying for. 

For further information about the position, please contact the Head of Digital and High-frequency Electronics Section, Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid via email.

Please submit your application by May 1,2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

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

 
----------------------------- 
Assessment and selection process 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.     

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: 

• A motivation letter that clearly explains the applicant’s interest, qualifications, and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages). 

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including personal contact information, skills, along with any other relevant information, e.g., teaching experience, computational skills, relevant projects, etc.

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). Applicants in the final semester of their master’s program are requested to submit transcripts from all completed semesters. 

• Up to three names and emails of researchers who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice (Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included). 

• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

• 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.

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). 

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”.

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.