Three PhD Scholarships in Robotics, Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems for Mining Applications - DTU Electro

Are you interested in developing robotic systems that can operate autonomously and interact physically with their environment? Do you have a background in robotics, mechatronics, control or autonomous systems, and would you like to contribute to the next generation of mining technologies?

At DTU Electro, we are offering three PhD positions within the European research projects BOREAS and MINIMINE. You will join an international research environment working on the design, control and autonomous operation of robotic systems for challenging environments.

The positions cover three complementary research areas: robotic manipulation and physical interaction, mechatronic design of autonomous platforms, and adaptive planning and control of multi-robot systems. You will contribute to developing and experimentally validating new robotic technologies in collaboration with European academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities 
The three PhD positions address complementary challenges in autonomous mining robotics. Candidates will be considered for one or more of the following research tracks, depending on their background and interests.

Position 1 – Robotic Manipulation and Adaptive Control (BOREAS)

You will investigate robotic physical interaction and adaptive control for selective mining operations, focusing on precise manipulation and tool interaction with irregular rock surfaces.

Your main tasks will include:

• Developing adaptive force and motion control methods for robotic tools.
• Investigating contact dynamics and sensor-based interaction control.
• Designing and validating control strategies for precision contaminant removal.
• Integrating force, vision and process feedback into robotic operations.

Position 2 – Mechatronic Design of Autonomous Mining Robots (MINIMINE)

You will develop compact and modular robotic platforms for autonomous material handling and transport in underground mining environments.

Your main tasks will include:

• Designing robotic mechanisms, actuation systems and mobile platforms.
• Developing mechatronic models and embedded control solutions.
• Investigating energy-efficient and adaptable robotic configurations.
• Building, integrating and experimentally validating robotic prototypes.

Position 3 – Adaptive Planning and Control of Autonomous Mining Systems (MINIMINE)

You will develop planning, optimisation and control methods for coordinating autonomous mining operations and material flows under uncertainty.

Your main tasks will include:

• Developing adaptive planning and decision-making algorithms.
• Investigating task allocation and multi-robot coordination.
• Optimising material routing and operational execution under system constraints.
• Integrating planning and control with robotic platforms and digital twins.

Qualifications
We are looking for motivated candidates with a master's degree in robotics, automation, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related field.

Depending on the selected position, you should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Robot dynamics, modelling and control.
• Mechanical design, actuation and mechatronic system development.
• Motion planning, optimisation and autonomous systems.
• Programming in Python and/or C++, preferably with ROS/ROS 2.
• Experimental robotics, hardware integration and validation.

We particularly value candidates with strong analytical abilities, practical experience with robotic systems, and an interest in combining theoretical research with experimental development.

You should be able to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment and communicate scientific results in English.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be based on their academic qualifications, relevant technical competences, research potential and motivation for the selected research track. Particular emphasis will be placed on experience in robotic modelling, design, control, software development and experimental validation, as relevant to each position.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The preferred starting date is 1 March 2027, or according to mutual agreement. All three positions are full-time PhD scholarships. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Matteo Fumagalli, DTU Electro, at mafum@dtu.dk 

You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 December 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• In your cover letter, please indicate whether you are applying for Position 1, Position 2, Position 3, or multiple positions, and explain how your background and research interests match the selected research track(s).
• Applicants are encouraged to include links to relevant projects, publications, software repositories or portfolios demonstrating their previous work.

Please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro  
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies. 

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.