Postdoc Position in Drone System Design with Experience in Autonomous Navigation and Control

The section Digital and High-Frequency Electronics at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is opening a new position at the level of Post-Doctoral Researcher. 

The application deadline is November 10, 2024, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

The section focuses on conducting research in digital and high-frequency electronics, embedded systems, control, and communication, utilizing cutting-edge reconfigurable computing and sensors. The aim is to develop next-generation electronics and computing solutions that solve technology-related challenges in fields such as autonomous robots, drones, IoT, smart grid, and healthcare.

The section is a vital component of our educational programs in electrical engineering in Odense, offering Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Electronics Engineering. Currently, the section focuses on two research fields: 1) Drones for Infrastructure Inspections and Interactions (https://www.sdu.dk/da/diii ) and 2) Chip design and Neuromorphic computing. Over the next few years, the section is expected to expand to include at least 20 academics, including PhD students and engineers, to support research, industrial collaboration, and educational activities. 

The SDU campus in Odense comprises five faculties and soon also a large university hospital creating a great concentration of academics and students facilitating interdisciplinary research and rich student life. The city of Odense is culturally rich, surrounded by a vibrant and growing robotics community, and highly livable with a green banked meandering river cutting through the center and attractive residential areas.

Job Description

The position seeks an expert researcher to develop next-generation drone systems capable of infrastructure monitoring and self-recharging. Responsibilities include designing and testing control loops and AI decision-making algorithms for real-time onboard execution. The drone design must be validated across various conditions and environments. Additionally, the role involves creating a graphical user interface for the entire system.

Duties

As a post-doctoral researcher, your role will encompass research and teaching. Your teaching responsibilities will involve program coordination, course planning, and supervision of BSc and master students in related fields. Additionally, you will be expected to support the team in securing external funding. 

Qualifications Required

• The applicant must hold a Ph.D. degree or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in mechatronics, robotics, drones, or related fields.
• The applicant must possess relevant research expertise aligned with the position’s content and responsibilities.
• Knowledge in sensor fusion, onboard computing, and hardware acceleration is required.

For further information about the position, please contact the Head of Digital and High-frequency Electronics Section, Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid, e-mail: esmesdu.dk.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-supportsdu.dk.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 2-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

The preferred starting date is January 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.  

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

Assessment and selection process

Read about the Assessment and selection process. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. 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.

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material. Please include the following documents in English: 

• 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, describing the research, along with any other relevant information.
• Certificates/Diplomas (master’s and PhD degree) – incl. transcripts of grades in Danish and/or English. 
• List of publications with the most relevant publications highlighted.
• Publications most relevant for the position. Please attach as one PDF-file for each publication (only full text publications (i.e. no links) can form the basis for assessment of the application).
• Up to three names and emails of researchers, who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice. (Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.)

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivation letter shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’. 

Documents must 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 application deadline is November 10, 2024, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to an academic position before it can be filled.

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