About the opportunity
The SDU Drone Center at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is offering a 3-year PhD position (Doctoral Candidate DC12) within the E-CoRe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. The research focuses on reversible programming languages and their application to energy-efficient cyber-physical systems, such as perching aerial robots and IoT devices. The successful candidate will join an international cohort, participate in joint training schools, and undertake secondments at partner institutions, including the University of Bologna and the University of Manchester. The role involves algorithm implementation, software integration, and energy consumption analysis, with the goal of publishing findings in international conferences and journals.
Salary and benefits
- 3-year salaried PhD position
- Monthly living allowance of EUR 5,325.28
- Monthly mobility allowance of EUR 710
- Monthly family allowance of EUR 660 (where applicable)
- Participation in international training schools and network events
- Research secondments at partner universities in Europe
Who can apply?
- Hold or be on track to complete an MSc in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field before the start date
- Must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: not have resided or carried out main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Willingness to travel for secondments and network events
Required documents
- Motivated application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of residence and main activity for the 36 months prior to recruitment
- List of publications and up to 2 relevant examples
- Master's and Bachelor's degree certificates and transcripts (with official English translations)
- Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants
- Completed TEK PhD form for calculation of grade point average
- Official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding university
- Official written assessment of thesis/dissertation (for programmes with pass/fail grading)
- Optional reference letters
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 1, 2026, at 23:59 CET/CEST
- Position start date: January 1, 2027 (negotiable)
How to apply
- Prepare all documents in English and PDF format
- Ensure all PDF files are unlocked and not password protected
- Upload motivated application under 'Cover letter' (max 5 MB)
- Upload CV under 'Resume' (max 5 MB)
- Upload all other documents under 'Miscellaneous documents' (max 10 files, 50 MB each)
Additional information
- The position is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement no. 101120187
- Background checks may be conducted due to the nature of the research
- The position is subject to Danish income tax and social contributions
- The recruitment process follows the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a strong background in programming language design, functional programming, or software development in languages like Rust, C++, or Haskell.
- Researchers interested in the intersection of software engineering and hardware-level energy efficiency.
- Individuals seeking an international research career who are comfortable with mobility and collaborative work across European partner institutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- The MSCA mobility rule is strict; ensure you can document your residence history for the past 36 months to prove eligibility.
- The position requires significant travel for secondments and network events, which may impact work-life balance.
- The salary is subject to Danish taxation, which is generally high; candidates should research the cost of living in Odense relative to the net income.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to specialize in the niche but growing field of reversible computing. It provides a structured path to a PhD within a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie network, offering both academic training and practical experience in cyber-physical systems. The role is ideal for those looking to build a professional network across Europe and gain experience in both academic publishing and applied industrial research.
Our take
Highly recommended for computer science or software engineering graduates who are passionate about low-energy computing and want to pursue a PhD in a well-funded, international environment. Candidates who do not meet the specific MSCA mobility criteria or who are not prepared for the required international travel should look for other opportunities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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