Postdoc Position on Planning of Coordinated Robotic Construction Operations

SDU Center for Large Structure Production (LSP), part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more postdoc positions in the area of model- and simulation-based planning and control of robotic construction operations such as 3D concrete printing. The positions will be vacant from beginning of September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for a 2-year period. Main work location is Odense/Denmark at SDU and Odense Havn (Odense Port).

Research 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 postdoc position is associated with LSP’s activities project in the construction sector. The overall objective of the project is to develop, control and demonstrate LSP’s multi-robot/multi-purpose gantry system for executing operations, such as 3D concrete printing. The main activities in the project will be industrial R&D tasks carried out by LSP’s engineers in close collaboration with company partners. 

The starting point for the candidate to develop their academic profile in LSP will be to work on so-called “zero programming” methods and tools to define a digital workflow from product design to production operations. Based on analyzing structure designs, the candidate will develop detailed quasi-continuous 3D simulations of the required production operations, including robots, tools, and sensors. Facilitating Digital Twins, these 3D simulations will then be further developed into control of the physical assets in LSP’s unique multi-purpose/multi-robot gantry system.

Profile and requirements

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

• PhD degree in engineering with outstanding academic track record
• Documented knowledge in automation and/or logistics
• Documented experience with simulation and Digital Twins
• Strong programming skills (particularly in C/C++ and Python)
• Strong mathematics skills and practical knowledge in 3D modelling
• 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 company staff

In close teamwork with our researchers and staff from our industrial partners, the candidate will grow hands-on expertise in robotic production operations, including robots, tools, and sensors. 

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

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: 

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).  
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position. 
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters 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 May 25, 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

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from September 2026. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at 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 postdoc 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.