PhD Positions in the areas of Computational Design, Construction Robotics, Regenerative Construction

SDU CREATE invites highly motivated candidates who wish to make an impact in the sustainable built environment to apply for one or more PhD Positions in the areas of Computational Design Construction Robotics and Regenerative Construction. Positions are available at the earliest opportunity with a preferred start period between April and September 2026.

The application deadline isFebruary 15 2026at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Scope of the work

The PhD positions are part of the Villum CEBE Programme Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment funded by the Villum Foundation. The research addresses computational design construction automation and material-based strategies for the regenerative transformation of the built environment. SDU CREATE hosts several funded research projects within the Focus Research Areas listed below and each PhD candidate will be embedded in one of these projects contributing to its research objectives through computational design fabrication-driven workflows and experimental investigation.

The work will involve the development and application of computational and robotic processes hands-on prototyping material fabrication and testing and the use and further development of laboratory setups depending on the selected research area. Experimental activities will be conducted at the component and system addition to research activities the PhD candidates will contribute to teaching within the MSc CREATE programme and the BSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering primarily through laboratory-based teaching workshops and co-supervision of student projects.

Project 1: Bioreceptive Design and Fabrication for a Regenerative Built Environment:This project investigates bioreceptive construction systems developed through computational design and fabrication focusing on material formulation construction detailing and experimental validation. The research includes monitoring the environmental and ecological performance of biocolonisation processes under controlled and outdoor conditions.

Project 2: AI-Driven Design and Fabrication for Material Upcycling:This project focuses on computational and AI-assisted design methods for the upcycling of reclaimed construction materials. The research addresses stock-driven design non-destructive material assessment AI-based performance prediction and robotic fabrication workflows leading to experimental and full-scale construction prototypes.

Project 3: Low-Carbon 3D Concrete Printing:This project investigates AI-based robotic control and toolpath generation for low-carbon 3D concrete printing. The research focuses on data-driven optimisation of deposition strategies sensor-informed process control and the fabrication and testing of experimental and full-scale printed construction elements.

Project 4: Robotic Assembly and Disassembly of Timber Structures:This project examines robotic fabrication and assembly processes for timber and biogenic construction systems. The research focuses on computational planning robotic sequencing and data-driven workflows that support efficient assembly disassembly and reuse in construction contexts.

About SDU CREATE and Villum CEBE

The Centre for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering (SDU CREATE) led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni investigates advanced concepts and implementations in architectural engineering with a focus on computational design construction robotics and material innovation. The Centre brings together an international research team exploring the intersections between architectural engineering and the fields of computer science robotic systems material science and biology to develop sustainable and regenerative approaches to the built environment.

Located within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark SDU CREATE benefits from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including robotic fabrication systems additive manufacturing technologies mixed-reality design and construction platforms and advanced structural and mechanical testing equipment. This environment supports collaboration with a wide range of scientific disciplines and strong partnerships with academic and industrial institutions.

SDU CREATE is a partner in a 10-year national research initiative funded by the Villum Foundation in which Danish technical universities collaborate to advance the sustainability of the built environment within planetary the initiative CREATE leads the research field on Digitalisation and Automation (RF4) and contributes to the Research Field for Design for Regeneration Circularity and Longevity (RF2). This provides a long-term research scope access to national research networks and opportunities for cross-institutional and industry collaboration.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate or candidates will contribute to the development and delivery of CREATEs research activities and laboratory-based include:

• Conducting high-quality research within one of the defined research projects and contributing original scientifically rigorous outcomes
• Participating in CREATEs research team activities contributing to the development of design fabrication and testing frameworks
• Developing and maintaining computational tools and workflows supporting the research activities
• Assisting in teaching bachelors and masters level courses and workshops including co-supervision of thesis students and collaboration with interns in research-related activities
• Disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and leading international conferences
• Sharing research outcomes through curated and high-quality outputs for digital platforms exhibitions and competitions
• Contributing to the further development and maintenance of CREATEs laboratory infrastructures and experimental facilities
• Engaging with academic and industrial collaborators at the national and international level including participation in the Villum CEBE research network
• Assisting senior staff in the preparation of applications for external research funding

The candidates engagement in these activities will evolve with their growing experience contributing to the Centres excellence and supporting their academic development ideally toward future career advancement.

Candidate Requirements

Applications are invited from highly motivated candidates holding a Masters degree in architecture civil or architectural engineering or other relevant disciplines related to the research areas. Candidates must demonstrate:

• Documented interest and foundational knowledge in at least one of the research areas
• Competence in Grasshopper and Rhino; knowledge of Python C# or finite element analysis is beneficial but not required
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct document and disseminate research outcomes suitable for peer-reviewed publication
• Experience with hands-on and experimental lab activities
• Strong proficiency in English both written and oral
• Strong ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams coordinate and collaborate daily
• Strong communication skills across graphical written and oral formats
• Beneficial experience in teaching assistance or peer-reviewed publications
• A proven track record of involvement in research or innovation projects
• Engagement with academic or industry stakeholders in relevant domains

Contact information

For further information about this position and SDU CREATEs activities please contact the Head of Centre Associate Professor Roberto Naboni at.

For additional information on the Centres work visit the website at.

If you experience technical problems please

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to carefully read theFaculty information for prospective PhD studentsand the SDU information on how to applybefore submitting their application. Your application must be submitted in English and should include the following documents uploaded in the specified sequence and PDF format:

1. Completed TEK PhD application form for 53 applicants. Find the form at theFaculty website.
2. Motivation letter & Research Statement (maximum five pages). Outline clearly the research area from this call that you are applying for and your qualifications for the position.
3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae including academic and professional employment research projects teaching and supervision experience awards exhibitions computational and fabrication skills.
4. List of Publications (if any) including attached articles that you wish to be assessed by the committee.
5. Verified copies of the official Bachelors and Masters diplomas and transcripts of exams in professional English translation or in Danish. If you are currently enrolled in a Masters program include a brief statement indicating the expected completion date.
6. Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at theFaculty website.
7. An official document describing the educational structure and the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
8. Portfolio of Works (up to 15 pages) showcasing research teaching or professional projects.
9. Reference List: Include at least two references providing names and email references may be contacted during the selection process.
10. Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 the graduation class for the study programme.

SUBMISSION GUIDE:The Motivation Letter shall be uploaded in the box Cover letter (max. 5 MB) Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded in the box Resume (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under Miscellaneous documents (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline isFebruary 15 2026at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

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 and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about theAssessment and selection process.

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Applicants must have a masters degree (equivalent to a Danish masters degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.

Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.608 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience you may be placed on a higher salary step.

Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD will be in accordance withFaculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).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 with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).Further information about salary and conditions of person employed in the position may based on a specific individual managerial evaluation be exempted from time registration also known as a self-organizer.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff 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.

Further informationfor international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visitWorkinDenmarkfor additional information.

Further informationabout The Faculty of Engineering.