Researcher in Underwater Technology and Robotics

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as Researcher in Underwater Technology and Robotics is open for appointment from January 2026 or soon hereafter. The position is fixed for 2 years.

Your work tasks and competencies

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in robotics, mechatronics, control engineering, or a related field. They will have documented experience in autonomous or remotely operated robotic systems, preferably in underwater or field robotics. The candidate should have strong competencies in control theory, sensor fusion, and signal processing, and demonstrate proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) and tools such as ROS. Experience in simulation and digital twins, as well as the use of synthetic data for training machine learning models, is highly desirable.

The candidate is expected to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research projects, engage with industrial partners, and contribute to applied research challenges relevant to the offshore energy sector. A strong publication record and ability to contribute to research-based teaching are also required.

Teaching will primarily be in robotics, automation, and related engineering topics, but also in other study groups at the University as required.

Qualification requirements

Appointment as researcher requires academic qualifications at PhD level. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. 

Who we are

Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. Aalborg University educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community.

AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is located in Esbjerg.

The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world.

Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent.

The position is offered in relation to the Underwater Technology Research Group, and the Researcher will be positioned in the Esbjerg Energy Section.

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment.

For the position as researcher you may attach a maximum of five publications. If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement.

• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us.
For professional information, please contact Associate Professor Simon Pedersen, spe@energy.aau.dk.
Other questions, please contact HR AAU Energy: hr@energy.aau.dk. 

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).