PhD Position in Computer Vision/Artificial Intelligence for Cow Welfare

SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD position, where the candidate will work on project within computer vision and AI for cow welfare. The starting date is as soon as possible in 2025 and will be agreed with the successful candidate. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark.

Research environment
The candidate will be integrated in the section SDU Robotics, which is at the core of the  Odense Robotics Cluster involving Universal Robots, Mobile Industrial Robots (MIR) and 120+ other companies. We are specialized in robot solutions involving modelling, estimation, and control of advanced robot systems. 

The group is involved in a variety of national and European projects and features a strong network of academic and industrial partners. We solve challenging research problems from real applications and implement novel robot solutions together with end users such as Novo Nordisk, LEGO and Danfoss.

Currently we are extending into the agriculture domain, utilizing robot technology for sustainable and adaptive agriculture. We are currently extending the team working on the GUDP project VelKoTek which focuses on AI-supported systems for cow welfare estimation based on computer vision.

Profile and requirements
The candidate will participate in SDU Robotics’ comprehensive research and teaching activities within the area of robotics, computer vision and machine learning. The position requires a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) within Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Science or similar and the candidate is expected to have a profound knowledge on the majority of the following topics:

• Image processing/computer vision
• Deep learning-based detection 
• Multi-camera-multi-object tracking using fisheye cameras
• Deployment of deep learning-based solutions
• Familiarity with the agricultural domain

Furthermore, the successful candidate is 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.

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 Dirk Kraft (kraft@mmmi.sdu.dk) or Associate Professor Leon Bodenhagen (lebo@mmmi.sdu.dk).

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.

ODENSE
As the 3rd largest city in Denmark, Odense provides the perfect combination of a historic city center with an urban field yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen; direct trains can take you straight to Copenhagen airport in less than 2 hours. Since 1966 the city has been a university town, and strong collaborative ties are in place between the University of Southern Denmark and the many Danish and International corporations in the region. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.

Application procedure

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 the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include: 

• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 2 pages). 
• 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). 
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including personal contact information.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master’s diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation 
• 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.
• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format, no more than 5 MB per file. Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

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

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

 

The application April 22, 2025, 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 employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 35.707DKR. 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 of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. 

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-organiser”.

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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.

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
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