PhD Position in Energy Harvesting for Bio-Inspired Flying Robots

The section of Digital and High-Frequency Electronics in Odense at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a PhD position in energy harvesting for bio-inspired flying robots. The position focuses on developing energy-harvesting techniques that use the magnetic fields surrounding high-voltage power lines to support autonomous inspection of power lines. The starting date is 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.  

This is a three-year PhD position based at SDU’s campus in Odense, Denmark.

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 contributes to our educational programmes in electrical engineering in Odense, offering Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Electronics Engineering. Its activities span research, industrial collaboration, and education in electrical engineering and related areas.

The SDU campus in Odense comprises six faculties, bringing together academics and students in an environment that supports interdisciplinary research and a rich student life. Odense offers a vibrant robotics community, cultural activities, attractive residential areas, and green spaces along the river that runs through the city centre.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the FreeFly project, an ambitious research project focused on developing a bird-like flying robot for autonomous inspection of power lines. The PhD research will focus on energy harvesting to enable self-sustaining operation of this bio-inspired robotic platform.

Research Focus – Energy Harvesting for Bio-Inspired Flying Robots

You will investigate, analyse, and design novel energy-harvesting techniques that enable bio-inspired aerial robots to draw energy from the strong magnetic fields surrounding high-voltage power lines. Your research will contribute to the development of self-sustaining flying robotic systems, with the aim of enabling extended autonomous inspection missions.

General Responsibilities

As a PhD student on this project, you will:

• Conduct research on energy harvesting from the magnetic fields surrounding high-voltage power lines, contributing to the development of a self-sustaining, bird-like autonomous flying robot for inspection of power lines.

• Participate in teaching activities, including course planning and instruction in relevant subject areas.

• Collaborate closely with fellow PhD students, postdocs, and other members of the research group in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, self-driven candidate with a strong interest in energy harvesting and its application to bio-inspired flying robots. If you are motivated to contribute to innovative research in autonomous inspection of power lines, we encourage you to apply.

Required Qualifications

• A completed BSc and MSc in electronics, electrical engineering, physics, mechatronics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are also encouraged to apply, provided they complete their MSc before the starting date and meet the applicable PhD admission requirements.

• Strong technical skills relevant to energy harvesting, particularly magnetic-field energy harvesting, electronics, and embedded hardware architectures.

• Demonstrated ability in academic writing, including preparing scientific reports, documentation, and research publications.

For further information about the position, please contact the Head of Digital and High-frequency Electronics section, Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid, e-mail: esme@sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Motivated application that clearly explains the applicant’s interest, qualifications, and motivation for the position (max. 2 pages). 

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including personal contact information, skills, along with any other relevant information, e.g. teaching experience, computational skills, relevant projects, etc.

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). Applicants in the final semester of their master’s programme are requested to submit transcripts from all completed semesters. 

• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.

• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 

• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 

• 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 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).

• 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.)

• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Enrollment and employment terms

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.313 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

The preferred start date is from January 1, 2027. 

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty 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 including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). 

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation. 

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its 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, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.