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The SDU Biorobotics section at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), University of Southern Denmark in Odense seeks to recruit an associate professor with expertise in soft robotics and bioinspired locomotion. The chosen applicant will be employed with the Soft Robotics group within the SDU Biorobotics section.

About the position:


SDU Biorobotics eagerly awaits an outstanding individual to join our vibrant department as an Associate Professor. The position requires research experience in soft robotics applications within bioinspired locomotion and sustainability. This includes documented knowledge within some of the following technologies/areas:

The ideal candidate will possess a strong research track record in the field of soft robotics, complemented by a proven background in teaching biorobotics, soft robotics, and mechatronics. We are looking for someone with profound expertise in the development of soft robots for various applications, including locomotion, manipulation, wearables, and human-robot interaction (HRI). Active collaboration with international, interdisciplinary research teams is highly valued and will be considered a significant asset. We warmly invite applications from aspirants with a multidisciplinary background. In addition to your expertise in soft robotics, candidates with knowledge in modular design, bioinspired locomotion and a proven track record in integrated sustainable robot design are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest are incorporating sustainable and recyclable materials to soft robots, developing robots for green production, and advancing environmental monitoring and preservation through bio-inspired locomotion in challenging environments. If you're a visionary researcher and educator with a passion for soft robotics and the desire to make a significant positive impact on the future of our planet, we encourage you to apply.

The preferred starting date is December 1, 2025, or soon thereafter.

We offer:

  • A position where you will be contributing to a dynamic research center with state-of-the-art facilities while working in areas of tremendous potential and societal relevance.
  • A vibrant and adventurous environment comprising research and teaching at international level in robotics, applied AI, drone and autonomous system technology, games and learning technology, software engineering, and health informatics and technology.
  • Tight integration into a robotic-oriented ecosystem including the renowned Odense Robotics Cluster.
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations across specialized centers and external entities.
  • Excellent technical facilities both at the Institute and The Faculty of Engineering.

We expect:

  • You should have the ability to work effectively with colleagues, foster a vibrant exchange of ideas, and have a proven track record of successfully disseminating your work to both the scientific community and the wider public.
  • The associate professor role primarily involves research and research-based teaching, with equal emphasis on both.
  • To independently supervise project courses, and BSc, MSc and PhD thesis projects.
  • In this role, you will have the opportunity to spearhead your own line of research focused on soft robotics for sustainability. We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate their potential to secure external funding, contributing to the growth and development of an independent research group within the esteemed SDU Biorobotics. Your leadership and innovation will be key in advancing the field.

Work environment:

MMMI is an internationally recognized institute, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. The institute is the origin of robotics research in Denmark and has spawned the world-renowned cluster of robotics in Odense with more than 140 robotics companies, including Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots. Learn more about our institute at https://www.sdu.dk/mmmi.

The current research program of SDU Biorobotics focuses, inter alia, on bio-inspired and biomimetic robotics, in which Nature's exploitation of unconventional principles is of considerable interest. The Center for Soft Robotics research is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity aimed at a systems level approach to soft robots, building on diverse expertise in embodied artificial intelligence, bioinspired design, aesthetics, and human-robot interaction. The research program seeks to elucidate appropriate design criteria for soft robots; how well-adapted soft bodies can be designed and deployed for given tasks, including collaboration with humans; how electronics and computing can be integrated into soft robotic solutions; and how local and distal sensing can be exploited in different environments. Learn more about the center at https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sdu_biorobotics/research-areas/soft-robotics

For further information please contact Head of Department Kasper Hallenborg (email: hallenborg@mmmi.sdu.dk).

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

Application procedure

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

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

  • Motivated application.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation).
  • Complete list of publications.
  • Publications most relevant to the position.
  • Teaching Portfolio.
  • Research plan.
  • A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is September 8, 2025, 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 associate professor is permanent.

Employment as an associate professor requires academic qualifications at PhD level within the mentioned research areas as well as scientific and teaching qualifications commensurate with the position as an associate professor. 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 with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for associate professor as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our 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, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

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.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex

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