PhD Position in Enhancing Manufacturing Decision Support with Digital Integration (REACT)

SDU Software Engineering, the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more 3-year PhD positions within Software Engineering. The positions are available from August 2025, and the specific start date will be agreed with the successful candidates. 

What we offer 

• A fully funded 3-year PhD position at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense.
• The opportunity to conduct research within the high-profile MADE REACT national project, focusing on digital integration and decision support for advanced manufacturing.
• Participation in a major collaboration involving leading Danish universities, research institutions, and prominent industrial companies such as LEGO, Novo Nordisk, Grundfos, Velux, and CIM.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and experimental platforms at SDU and partner locations.              
• A vibrant, international, and dynamic research environment at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute.
• Funding support for travel to project meetings and relevant international conferences to present your work.
• The chance to contribute to developing cutting-edge digital solutions (including AI, MLOps, and digital twins) that enhance the competitiveness of Danish manufacturing.

What we expect 

• You hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field like Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Data Science, or similar.
• You possess strong programming skills.
• You have a keen interest and preferably practical experience in areas such as AI/Machine Learning, MLOps, Digital Twins, Industrial Automation/Control Systems (PLCs), Robotics, or Manufacturing Processes.
• You have excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities and approach research proactively.
• You can work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
• You communicate proficiently in English, both written and spoken.
• You will actively contribute to SDU's role in the project by implementing and testing new technologies, exploring autonomy possibilities in manufacturing, and advancing MLOps capabilities for industrial control systems.                         

Workplace description 

You will be based at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense, Denmark. The institute is known for its excellent research and education in robotics, software engineering, AI, and related fields, offering a dynamic, international environment with strong ties to industry. You will join a collaborative research group working on the MADE REACT project, interacting regularly with project partners across Denmark. Odense is a vibrant city known for its robotics cluster and high quality of life.

Further information 

This PhD position is part of the MADE REACT project, funded by Innovation Fund Denmark. REACT aims to strengthen Danish manufacturing through AI-powered and digitally connected technologies for resilient High-Mix Low-Volume production. Your research will focus on digital integration and decision support, contributing directly to the project's goals of optimizing the interplay between human operators and automation in manufacturing.

For further information about the position(s), please contact Associate Professor, Jan Sørensen, email: jcs@mmmi.sdu.dk

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

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: 

• Motivated application. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/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.

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is August 5, 2025, at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST) 2025 

 

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 36.138DKR. 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 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-organizer”.

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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.

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.

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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