Post-Doctoral Researcher in Drone Design with Experience in Mechatronics and Aerial Manipulations

4 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Southern Denmark

Department

Faculty of Engineering

Research Field

Engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Denmark

Application Deadline

25 Jan 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Copenhagen)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

23/74 377

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Section Digital and High Frequency Electronics at the Department 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 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) IoT in HealthCare. 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 requires an expert researcher to investigate the design of aerial manipulations for interacting with large infrastructure such as powerlines to maintain them. This entails designing and manufacturing a weight-optimized manipulator for an aerial power line robot capable of handling tasks with potentially high torque and force loads. The design must be validated in harsh conditions, including wind, precipitation, frost, and high voltage.

Furthermore, the responsibilities include developing control interface software for the manipulator, emphasizing autonomy and semi-autonomy. The position also involves integrating the designed manipulator onto the aerial power line robot platform and examining the certifiability of the integrated robot platform. Moreover, the position entails exploring innovative designs and mechanisms for aerial manipulators to perform tasks with minimal interaction with the environment, potentially on the fly.

Duties:

As a Post-doctoral researcher, your role will encompass research and teaching. Your teaching responsibilities will involve 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 close to completing a Ph.D. in mechatronics, robotics, drones, or other related fields.
• The applicant must have relevant research expertise that is aligned with the content and responsibilities of the position, especially within the fields of mechatronics and manufacturing of prototypes
• Knowledge in mechanical systems design and optimization – material workflows (metals, polymers, composites), static and dynamic analysis, actuator selection and control, CAD workflows, prototyping (FDM, CNC, laser cutting, etc.), system integration, experiment design, lab, and real-world testing and validation.
• Other Expertise, candidates with international research experience in a different environment than where they completed their doctoral studies will be given preference. 

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

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected] . 

The application must be in English and must include the following:

• 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.
• Verified copies of official Certificates/Diplomas (BSc, MSc, and Ph.D.).
• List of publications with the most relevant publications highlighted.
• 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.)

Conditions of employment 
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

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

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process . Shortlisting may be used. 

Read more and apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/ledige_stillinger

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

SDU/IME

Country

Denmark

City

Odense

Postal Code

5230

Street

Campusvej 55

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/ledige_stillinger

Contact

City

Odense

Website

http://www.sdu.dk

Street

Campusvej 55

Postal Code

5230

STATUS: EXPIRED