PostDoc/Assistant Professor Positions in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication

SDU CREATE invites candidates to apply for available PostDoc/Assistant Professor positions. One or more job positions are to be filled as soon as possible, with perspective starting from September 2024.

The application deadline is 20 May 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST)

Scope of the work

The successful candidate(s) will engage in pioneering research that integrates state-of-the-art computational modelling, digital fabrication, and innovative material technologies. This research will focus on developing sustainable architectural and construction engineering solutions. The appointed applicant(s) will make substantial contributions to our projects, conceptualising new research within strategic areas and developing innovative teaching in the academic programs of MSc CREATE and the BSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering.  We are searching for highly skilled individuals who are dedicated to academic excellence and motivated to achieve significant research impacts. The appointed candidate(s) will be key in enriching our dynamic and collaborative research culture, actively promoting the Centre’s activities and securing support for strategic initiatives.

About SDU CREATE´s research environment

The Center for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering is led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni. Dedicated to researching forward-thinking architectural concepts, SDU CREATE explores emergent technologies at the intersection of computational design, construction robotics, and material innovation to develop innovative forms of sustainable built environments. We are international researchers with diverse backgrounds who work closely within interdisciplinary teams. 

Situated within the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), we are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including large-scale architectural robotics, additive manufacturing, mixed reality design and construction, structural and mechanical testing. In this academic environment, we collaborate with scholars from various scientific domains, inspire students to impact the field and connect with leading academic and industrial partners globally.

Focus Research Areas

SDU CREATE focuses on developing novel design, engineering, and construction methodologies and pioneering sustainable architectural applications by investigating the latest computational, material and technological advancements. The selected applicant(s) will ideally develop original research in one or more of the following areas:

1. Computational design, performance-based design, advanced architectural geometry
2. Machine Learning and agent-based modelling for design and construction engineering
3. Design-driven Large-scale Additive Manufacturing (including 3DCP, FDM)
4. Digital timber design, robotic timber construction, assembly, fabrication
5. Collaborative robotic construction, robotic tooling, sensing technologies, augmented reality
6. Circular Design, life-cycle engineering, waste- and bio-based materials and fabrication

Responsibilities 

During their tenure, the candidate(s) will be responsible for the following: 

• Conducting pioneering research within the research areas listed above;
• Advancing the research projects of SDU CREATE, supporting design/engineering developments, including construction and testing activities;
• Creating digital tools and computational workflows to support the centre’s activities;
• Teaching seminars, studios, and workshops at master's and bachelor's levels and co-supervising students, interns and visiting scholars;
• Disseminating research and teaching results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, prizes, exhibitions and digital platforms;
• Contributing to project management and the organisation of the centre, facilitating coordination and communication;
• Contributing to the attraction of external research grants to expand the research centre's capabilities;
• Contributing to developing and organising laboratory work and infrastructures;
• Engaging with key national and international industrial and academic partners.

The candidate's engagement in these activities will advance according to their growing experience, aiming to uphold the Centre's excellence and cultivate distinguished academic profiles for subsequent career advancement.

Qualifications & Skills

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates who either possess or are nearing the completion of a PhD degree relevant to the specified research areas. Candidates must demonstrate the following:

• Internationally recognised peer-reviewed publications;
• Proficiency in advanced projects within computational design/engineering, robotic/digital fabrication, and innovative material developments/testing;
• Expertise in Grasshopper, complemented by skills in Python or C#, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, CNC, Finite Element Analysis, or Computational Fluid Dynamics, as relevant to the research area;
• Experience in teaching and supervising at the university level;
• Fluency in English, both in oral and written form;
• Excellent communication skills and the capacity to collaborate effectively within teams;
• A proven track record in contributing to the attraction of funding, while not mandatory, is viewed positively;
• Demonstrated engagements with key academic and industry partners are highly valued.

Contact information

For further information about this position and SDU CREATE's activities, please contact the Head of Center, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, at roniti.sdu.dk. For additional information on the Center´s work, visit the website: www.create-sdu.com. 

If you encounter technical issues during the application process, please contact support-sdujobsdu.dk.

Application Procedure

Please ensure you have read the instructions on how to apply and faculty information on how to apply for academic staff before submitting your application. Your application must be submitted in English and should include the following documents, uploaded in the specified sequence and PDF format:

1. Curriculum Vitae, including academic and professional employment, descriptions of research projects, teaching and supervision experience, funding experience, awards, exhibitions, keynote and invited lectures, and computational skills.
2. List of Publications, including attached articles that you wish to be assessed by the committee.
3. Verified Copies of Master's and Doctoral Diploma in English. If you are currently enrolled in a PhD programme, include a brief statement indicating the expected date of thesis completion and defence.
4. Motivation Letter & Research Statement (maximum of 5 pages). Outline your research area, qualifications for the position, research interests specific to the position and your goals 
5. Portfolio of Works (up to 15 pages) showcasing research, teaching, or professional projects.
6. Reference List: Include at least two references, providing names and email addresses. These references may be contacted during the selection process.

The assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. An assessment committee will evaluate applications. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Conditions of employment

The postdoctoral position lasts two years, and the assistant professorship lasts three years. The ideal commencement date for both roles is 1 September 2024, or as soon as possible. While these positions have a fixed contractual term, there are concrete opportunities for further career development. 

The primary workplace will be at SDU Odense in Denmark. Applicants must possess scientific qualifications at the PhD level to be considered for employment as a PostDoc or Assistant Professor. 

Successful candidates will be employed according to the agreement established between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. 

For additional details regarding salary and taxation, please visit: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/international_staff/getting-settled

Formalities 

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to a position before it can be filled. 
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.   

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply 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. 

Apply for the position at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/ledige_stillinger.