Research Assistant Position in Physical Human-robot Interaction at SDU Robotics

SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more Research Assistant positions, where the candidates will work on human modeling and physical human-robot interaction and relevant applications. The positions are for one year and the starting date is expected to be October 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

What we offer

• An exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of robotics for real-world applications.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and resources.

Project description
We are currently expanding our team working on the SENSIBLE project, which focuses on developing an AI-powered teleoperation robotic system for offshore wind turbine blade maintenance and repair.

This position focuses on supporting the development of a framework to ensure ergonomics and safety in the physical interaction between the human operator and a local robot in the teleoperation system. This should be accomplished by modeling physical interaction by considering personal responsive behavior. The candidates will be responsible for personalizing a musculoskeletal arm model and a human motor controller. In addition, the candidates will integrate the human models into the physical human-robot interaction.

Profile and requirements
The candidates will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the area of robotics. The position requires a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) within Robotics or a similar field by the time of employment. 

The candidates are expected to have a profound knowledge on most of the following topics:

• Numerical analysis
• Human modelling 
• Physical human-robot interaction

Preferably, the candidates have experience with: 

• Biomechanical modeling tools 
• Scientific writing and presentation

Furthermore, the successful candidates are expected to:

• Have excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Have high self-motivation to learn. 
• Be able to work well and communicate expert knowledge in an interdisciplinary team.
• Have the ability of working independently.
• Have a strong sense of responsibility.

Research environment
The candidates will be integrated in the unit SDU Robotics, which is at the core of the Odense Robotics Cluster. 

We are a team of approximately 60 employees based in Odense. We actively work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to develop new technologies and scientific knowledge. Our research contributes to novel solutions with applications in industrial automation, lab automation, welfare, and healthcare. Furthermore, the unit has a long-standing tradition of collaboration with industrial partners.

We value teamwork, professional diligence, enthusiasm for robotics and the drive to adopt new skills and extended responsibilities. We offer an open, international working environment with flexible work organization and support for individual development.

We look forward to receiving your application and to supporting your growth as a researcher within the field of robotics. 

Further information
Please visit us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdu-robotics. 

Further information about this position is available via email from Associate Professor Cheng Fang [email protected]. 

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

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.

Application

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

The application deadline is August 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and an 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.
• Copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation. 
• Complete list of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications.
• References (names and emails) and/or reference letters may also be included. 
• Documentation of other qualifications with relevance for 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). 

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

The University of Southern Denmark wishes 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.

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.  

Employment terms
Appointment as a research assistant is temporary for an initial 1-year period, and the preferred start date is from October 1, 2026. Extension may be possible depending on available funding. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark, and the work is expected to be primarily onsite.

Employment as a research assistant requires qualifications at minimum master’s level (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) 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 research assistant as described therein. 

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. 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”.