PhD Positions in Soft Robotics – Odense

The Center for Soft Robotics at SDU Biorobotics, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for two PhD positions within the ERC-funded project “METABOA: Exploring the Unexplored with a Crawling Soft Robot.” The positions are based in Odense, Denmark, with a preferred starting date of June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About METABOA

This project explores the development of autonomous, snake-inspired robots capable of robust locomotion across complex and uncertain environments. Drawing inspiration from biological snakes, the research combines soft and flexible robotic structures with intelligent control to study how body deformation and surface interactions enable agile, adaptive movement. The project emphasizes the integration of novel mechanical designs, sensing at the robot–environment interface, and bioinspired control strategies to allow the robot to perceive and adapt to different terrains. By bridging soft robotics, physical intelligence, and learning-based control, the research aims to advance fundamental understanding of friction-driven, limbless locomotion while contributing to next-generation adaptive robotic systems.

Research Environment

The University of Southern Denmark in Odense is a rich environment for research and innovation in robotics and automation. SDU Biorobotics spans a broad range of expertise and research interests, including soft robotics, embodied AI and neurobotics, wearable robotics, and bio-inspired control.

SDU Soft Robotics is a leading research group within SDU Biorobotics. We design, build, and program next-generation bio-inspired soft robots that leverage compliance as an integral part of their intelligence. Our research emphasizes systems-level integration in the design and construction of soft robotic platforms. We employ innovative soft materials and structures to endow robots with embodied intelligence and rich interactive functionalities. In parallel, we adopt biologically inspired control and learning strategies that enable soft machines to interact naturally with humans – for example through aesthetic expressions – and to navigate complex, unstructured terrains with dexterity. The Center for Soft Robotics offers an engaging and collaborative research environment with a highly diverse, multicultural, and international team. We work closely with academic collaborators and industrial partners to translate fundamental research outcomes into impactful real-world applications.

About the Candidate

We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious PhD students to join our research team. The successful candidates will have a strong command of written and spoken English and be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in engineering – preferably in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or mechatronics – and demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. A demonstrated enthusiasm for designing and fabricating crawling robotic systems, programming and controlling these robots, and extensively testing, evaluating, and analyzing their performance across diverse and challenging environments is essential. Prior experience in soft robotics and strong programming skills are highly desirable. The candidate should be eager to acquire new knowledge and skills, conduct high-quality research, disseminate results at international conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The position also includes participation in teaching activities within the Center for Soft Robotics and SDU Biorobotics.

Contact Information

Further information about this position is available via email from Professor Ahmad Rafsanjani (ahra@mmmi.sdu.dk).

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 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

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.