One or more PhD Stipend(s) in Robotization and Automation of Aseptic Production

The PhD positions are funded by a 3-year research program on Aseptic Production financed by Novo Nordisk A/S.

The physical location of this position is partly at the Aalborg East Campus of Aalborg University and partly at relevant Novo Nordisk facilities(primarily in Gentofte). It is expected that the candidates engage in double affiliations and understand and bridge the know-how on both sides and connecting the environments. Department of Materials and Production(MP) has a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department's mission is to meet the future's demands for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials' applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production and management. The department has several strong, international and innovative research groups which comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applicable research. The activities encompass research as well as education within materials, mechanics, physics, production technique, and industrial management and innovation.
Benefitting the industry and additional collaborators several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are developed through interdisciplinary co-operations.
Thereby, as an employee at the Department you will become a part of an international research environment, where focus is on innovation, knowledge sharing/building and interdisciplinary collaborations. 

The Position
The PhD positions are parts of a larger program on future automated BioTech/small batch aseptic factory with strong synergies and links between individual projects to foster and benefit from collaborations across the program. The goal of the program is to facilitate the development of highly flexible automated aseptic production systems which can accommodate small batches, resilient aseptic production and shorten process validation.

The purpose of the PhD positions is to investigate digitalization, automation and robotics technologies which enables automatic, zero touch, inbuild control and flexible aseptic production while meeting the strict requirements imposed on aseptic production to prevent contamination and guarantee quality by control. The project will achieve this through deep understanding of aseptic production and derived requirements and further the development and application of new methods and technologies, which will have a strong practitioner-orientation while being grounded in scientific research methods and results to enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to accommodate the aforementioned goal.

The PhD candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary project team consisting of several other junior and senior researchers from the Department of Materials and Production spanning multiple research groups including Robotics, Automation, Materials, and Mass Customization. Furthermore, the team includes participants from Novo Nordisk A/S including experts in aseptic production as well as participants from relevant system and technology providers. Here the PhD candidates are expected to contribute to the general development of novel production concepts of the aseptic production system for small volumes within BioTech. As a part the project the candidates will be seconded to NOVO for a 3-6 months' period.

The selected candidates will become a part of the research group“Robot& Automation”.

Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD scholarship must hold a Master of Science(MSc) degree in Manufacturing Technology, Manufacturing Systems, Robotics and Automation, Autonomous Systems, Computer Science or similar from an internationally recognized University.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with the following qualifications:

• Experience in industrial robotics.
• Knowledge of simulation of robotic and/or production systems.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as an independent researcher.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Commitment, dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to work efficiently both as a part of a team and independently.

 We offer

• Multi-disciplinary and international environment.
• State of the art laboratory facilities.
• A chance to see your research being brought into practice.
• Strong engagement with industry.

You may obtain further information from Professor Ole Madsen, Department of Materials and Production,+45 21359465,[email protected] concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Ruth Klitte, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:[email protected]  

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:
https://www.phd.aau.dk/eng  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.