About the opportunity
The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Software Engineering section. The successful candidate will work on the VILLUM Experiment project, ‘Is Correctness Necessary? An Experiment in Test-Free Program Repair.’ This research investigates whether software bugs can be repaired using information inherent in the code, bypassing the traditional reliance on test suites or specifications. The project involves developing frameworks that combine program analysis with patterns mined from existing software, evaluating these methods on real-world bugs and AI-generated code. The position offers a collaborative, international research environment with opportunities for mentorship, publication, and engagement with industrial partners.
Salary and benefits
- 2-year fixed-term postdoctoral contract
- Competitive salary based on the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Support for individual professional development and mentorship
- Opportunities to publish in renowned journals and conferences
- Access to a robust network of academic and industrial partners
- Dynamic, inclusive, and international research environment
Who can apply?
- PhD degree (completed or near completion) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field
- Research experience or strong interest in program analysis, mining software repositories, automated software engineering, software testing, or software repair
- Interest in software reliability challenges related to AI-generated or AI-modified code
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team
Required documents
- Motivated application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Master’s and PhD degree certificates (original and official English translation)
- Complete list of publications
- Selected relevant publications
- Summary and documentation of teaching experience (if applicable)
- Research statement (optional)
- Reference letters (optional)
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET/CEST
- Preferred start date: February 1, 2027
How to apply
- Prepare all documents in English and PDF format (unlocked, no password protection, CPR numbers crossed out)
- Upload motivated application under 'Cover letter' (max 5 MB)
- Upload Curriculum Vitae under 'Resume' (max 5 MB)
- Upload all other documents under 'Miscellaneous documents' (max 10 files, max 50 MB per file)
- Submit via the official SDU recruitment portal
Additional information
- The position is located at the SDU campus in Odense, Denmark
- Shortlisting may be applied during the assessment process
- Background checks may be conducted due to the nature of research in critical technologies
- The working language is English
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…
- Researchers with a background in program analysis or mining software repositories who are eager to apply these skills to the emerging field of AI-generated code reliability.
- Candidates who thrive in collaborative, international academic environments and are looking to build their publication record within a well-supported research institute.
- Individuals interested in the intersection of theoretical software engineering and practical, real-world bug repair challenges.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a fixed-term 2-year position; while extensions may be possible depending on funding, applicants should plan for the 2-year duration.
- The role requires relocation to Odense, Denmark, if not already based there.
- The application process is highly structured; ensure all documents are in the correct PDF format and uploaded to the specific portal sections as required.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for a recent PhD graduate to establish themselves in the field of automated software engineering. By working on a specific, funded project (VILLUM Experiment) at an internationally recognized institute, the postdoc can focus on high-impact research, expand their publication portfolio, and build a professional network in both academia and industry. It serves as a strong stepping stone for those aiming for future academic or advanced research roles.
Our take
This role is ideal for early-career researchers with a strong foundation in software engineering or AI who want to tackle the pressing issue of validating AI-generated code. Candidates who are comfortable with empirical evaluation and have experience with C, Java, or Python will be particularly well-positioned for this project.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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