Research Assistant in Medical Robotics – Intelligent Robotic Framework for Autonomous Cardiac Ultrasound Scanning

SDU Robotics, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for one or more 6-month Research Assistant positions, and this position may offer the possibility of applying for a PhD student fellowship. The candidates will work under the DANARC project, which aims to develop a robotic-based system capable of autonomously performing cardiac ultrasounds. The starting date will be agreed with the successful candidates. 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 extending our team working on the DANARC project which focuses on developing an AI-powered robotic system capable of autonomously performing echocardiography with quality comparable to that of experienced cardiologists.

This position project centers on supporting the development of a framework for controlling a robotic arm equipped with a cardiac ultrasound probe and complementary sensors. The goal is to enable autonomous placement of the probe on predefined cardiac views as required in a standard echocardiographic examination. This should be accomplished by combining advanced medical image analysis techniques to interpret ultrasound data with intelligent robotic control strategies that ensure precise, safe, and patient-friendly probe positioning. The candidates will be responsible for supporting development of artificial intelligence methods for cardiac view identification and pose estimation from ultrasound video, as well as designing a closed-loop robotic system for autonomous ultrasound scanning and navigation. In addition, the candidates will support the dataset acquisition and collaborate with clinical experts from the DANARC project to validate the developed solutions.

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 a relevant Robotics, Biomedical, or a similar field by the time of employment. Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are also encouraged to apply.

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

• Robot control
• Deep Learning 
• Medical imaging

Preferably, the candidates have experience with: 

• Robotic simulation tools 
• Medical applications
• Sensors and actuators
• 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 Assistant Professor Bruno Oliviera (broli@mmmi.sdu.dk). 

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.

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

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

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

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the 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.
• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are requested to submit transcripts from all completed semesters. 
• 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.  

Conditions of employment 

The positions are for a half-year period with the possibility of extension. The starting date will be agreed with the successful candidate. 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. 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”.

People employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser.