PhD Positions in the areas of Computational Design, Construction Robotics, Regenerative Construction
SDU CREATE invites highly motivated candidates who wish to make an impact in the sustainable built environment to apply for one or more PhD Positions in the areas of Computational Design, Construction Robotics, and Regenerative Construction. Positions are available at the earliest opportunity, with a preferred start period between April and September 2026.
The application deadline is February 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)
Scope of the work
The PhD positions are part of the Villum CEBE Programme, Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment, funded by the Villum Foundation. The research addresses computational design, construction automation, and material-based strategies for the regenerative transformation of the built environment. SDU CREATE hosts several funded research projects within the Focus Research Areas listed below, and each PhD candidate will be embedded in one of these projects, contributing to its research objectives through computational design, fabrication-driven workflows, and experimental investigation.
The work will involve the development and application of computational and robotic processes, hands-on prototyping, material fabrication and testing, and the use and further development of laboratory setups, depending on the selected research area. Experimental activities will be conducted at the component and system scale. In addition to research activities, the PhD candidates will contribute to teaching within the MSc CREATE programme and the BSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering, primarily through laboratory-based teaching, workshops, and co-supervision of student projects.
Project 1: Bioreceptive Design and Fabrication for a Regenerative Built Environment: This project investigates bioreceptive construction systems developed through computational design and fabrication, focusing on material formulation, construction detailing, and experimental validation. The research includes monitoring the environmental and ecological performance of biocolonisation processes under controlled and outdoor conditions.
Project 2: AI-Driven Design and Fabrication for Material Upcycling: This project focuses on computational and AI-assisted design methods for the upcycling of reclaimed construction materials. The research addresses stock-driven design, non-destructive material assessment, AI-based performance prediction, and robotic fabrication workflows, leading to experimental and full-scale construction prototypes.
Project 3: Low-Carbon 3D Concrete Printing: This project investigates AI-based robotic control and toolpath generation for low-carbon 3D concrete printing. The research focuses on data-driven optimisation of deposition strategies, sensor-informed process control, and the fabrication and testing of experimental and full-scale printed construction elements.
Project 4: Robotic Assembly and Disassembly of Timber Structures: This project examines robotic fabrication and assembly processes for timber and biogenic construction systems. The research focuses on computational planning, robotic sequencing, and data-driven workflows that support efficient assembly, disassembly, and reuse in construction contexts.
About SDU CREATE and Villum CEBE
The Centre for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering (SDU CREATE), led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, investigates advanced concepts and implementations in architectural engineering with a focus on computational design, construction robotics, and material innovation. The Centre brings together an international research team exploring the intersections between architectural engineering and the fields of computer science, robotic systems, material science, and biology to develop sustainable and regenerative approaches to the built environment.
Located within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark, SDU CREATE benefits from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including robotic fabrication systems, additive manufacturing technologies, mixed-reality design and construction platforms, and advanced structural and mechanical testing equipment. This environment supports collaboration with a wide range of scientific disciplines and strong partnerships with academic and industrial institutions.
SDU CREATE is a partner in a 10-year national research initiative funded by the Villum Foundation in which Danish technical universities collaborate to advance the sustainability of the built environment within planetary boundaries. In the initiative, CREATE leads the research field on Digitalisation and Automation (RF4) and contributes to the Research Field for Design for Regeneration, Circularity, and Longevity (RF2). This provides a long-term research scope, access to national research networks, and opportunities for cross-institutional and industry collaboration.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate or candidates will contribute to the development and delivery of CREATE’s research activities and laboratory-based investigations. Responsibilities include:
Conducting high-quality research within one of the defined research projects and contributing original, scientifically rigorous outcomes
Participating in CREATE’s research team activities, contributing to the development of design, fabrication, and testing frameworks
Developing and maintaining computational tools and workflows supporting the research activities
Assisting in teaching bachelor’s and master’s level courses and workshops, including co-supervision of thesis students and collaboration with interns in research-related activities
Disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and leading international conferences
Sharing research outcomes through curated and high-quality outputs for digital platforms, exhibitions, and competitions
Contributing to the further development and maintenance of CREATE’s laboratory infrastructures and experimental facilities
Engaging with academic and industrial collaborators at the national and international level, including participation in the Villum CEBE research network
Assisting senior staff in the preparation of applications for external research funding
The candidate’s engagement in these activities will evolve with their growing experience, contributing to the Centre’s excellence and supporting their academic development, ideally toward future career advancement.
Candidate Requirements
Applications are invited from highly motivated candidates holding a Master’s degree in architecture, civil or architectural engineering, or other relevant disciplines related to the research areas. Candidates must demonstrate:
Documented interest and foundational knowledge in at least one of the research areas
Competence in Grasshopper and Rhino; knowledge of Python, C#, or finite element analysis is beneficial but not required
Demonstrated capacity to conduct, document, and disseminate research outcomes suitable for peer-reviewed publication
Experience with hands-on and experimental lab activities
Strong proficiency in English, both written and oral
Strong ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, coordinate and collaborate daily
Strong communication skills across graphical, written, and oral formats
Beneficial experience in teaching assistance or peer-reviewed publications
A proven track record of involvement in research or innovation projects
Engagement with academic or industry stakeholders in relevant domains
Contact information
For further information about this position and SDU CREATE's activities, please contact the Head of Centre, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, at ron@iti.sdu.dk.
For additional information on the Centre´s work, visit the website at www.create-sdu.com.
If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.
Application procedure
Applicants are advised to carefully read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply before submitting their application. Your application must be submitted in English and should include the following documents, uploaded in the specified sequence and PDF format:
Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
Motivation letter & Research Statement (maximum five pages). Outline clearly the research area from this call that you are applying for and your qualifications for the position.
Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including academic and professional employment, research projects, teaching and supervision experience, awards, exhibitions, computational and fabrication skills.
List of Publications (if any), including attached articles that you wish to be assessed by the committee.
Verified copies of the official Bachelor's and Master’s diplomas and transcripts of exams in professional English translation or in Danish. If you are currently enrolled in a Master's program, include a brief statement indicating the expected completion date.
Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
An official document describing the educational structure and the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
Portfolio of Works (up to 15 pages) showcasing research, teaching, or professional projects.
Reference List: Include at least two references, providing names and email addresses. These references may be contacted during the selection process.
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.
SUBMISSION GUIDE: The Motivation Letter shall be uploaded in the box ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded in the box ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).
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 February 15, 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
Applicants must have a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.
Employment 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.
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 with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein 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. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.
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
