PhD in Mechanical Engineering

The Center for Soft Robotics at SDU Biorobotics, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications for two PhD positions within the ERC-funded project “METABOA: Exploring the Unexplored with a Crawling Soft Robot.” The positions are based in Odense, Denmark, with a preferred starting date of June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter./nThe project explores the development of autonomous, snake-inspired robots capable of robust locomotion across complex and uncertain environments. The research combines soft and flexible robotic structures with intelligent control, emphasizing integration of novel mechanical designs, sensing at the robot–environment interface, and bioinspired and learning-based control strategies to advance understanding of friction-driven, limbless locomotion and to contribute to adaptive robotic systems./nResearch environment: SDU Biorobotics and SDU Soft Robotics in Odense, with expertise in soft robotics, embodied AI, neurobotics, wearable robotics, and bio-inspired control.