Ahmad Rafsanjani

Two fully funded PhD positions are available in the Soft Robotics group led by Professor Ahmad Rafsanjani at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense. The positions are part of the European Research Council (ERC) METABOA project, which aims to develop next-generation snake-inspired soft crawling robots capable of sensing, learning from, and adapting to diverse environments. The research will focus on advancing the state of the art in soft robotics by integrating origami and kirigami metamaterials for dynamic friction modulation, developing real-time sensing mechanisms for environmental awareness, and implementing bioinspired neural controllers for adaptive locomotion. The METABOA project investigates the fundamental mechanisms of friction in snake-inspired soft robotic locomotion, combining mechanical metamaterials, flexible sensing, and advanced control strategies. The research has applications in search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and space exploration. The successful candidates will join a vibrant international team at SDU Biorobotics, working in a cutting-edge research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Applicants should have a strong background in robotics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related fields. Experience with soft robotics, bioinspired design, or neural control is highly desirable. Proficiency in English and strong communication skills are required. The positions are funded by the ERC with a total project budget of €2,000,000, typically covering salary and research expenses. The application deadline is April 15, 2026. For more information, visit the lab website and the METABOA project page . Apply online via the SDU career site .