PhD Position in Agentic-AI for Supply Chain Digitalisation

The Department of Technology and Innovation at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for one PhD position within the field of Agentic AI for Supply Chain Digitalisation. The candidates will be responsible for researching the field of Supply chain operations analytics, more specifically focusing on understanding and assessing the role of agentic AI for supply chain decisions within SMEs, while also developing agentic AI for modular micro-services.

The call is open for applications between October 1 and October 30, 2025, and the specific start date will be agreed upon with the successful candidates. 

What We Offer

• A professional workplace culture that values equality, mutual respect, and is designed to accommodate and encourage work-life balance
• A vibrant social environment with structured activities and informal routines that promote cross-disciplinary interaction and cultivate an inclusive, supportive atmosphere.
• An engaging, dynamic, and international interdisciplinary environment with extensive collaboration opportunities across national, international, and industrial partners
• Opportunities for continued professional development and education for all staff members.
• Access to a well-developed research infrastructure
• A strong institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the workplace

What We Expect

A background in engineering with an understanding of business principles is essential. A master’s degree in supply chain management, operations management, or a related field is highly desirable. Additionally, proficiency in at least one programming language (preferably Python) and experience with AI applications in manufacturing are expected.

A motivated, collaborative person who is able to work in an international and interdisciplinary team, with documented skills in the field of supply chain. The candidate needs to be a team player and, at the same time, be able to work independently. 

Workplace Description

The position is within the Section SDU Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (TEI) at the Faculty of Engineering on the international campus Sønderborg. The section brings together scholars of engineering, innovation management, and entrepreneurship in joint research and teaching. The research is on innovative solutions across the entire product lifecycle, but with a focus on sustainable and digitalized production and supply chains.

SDU TEI is situated in a region with a robust network of companies, including some of Denmark’s largest global industrial players, such as Danfoss, Linak, and Siemens, as well as numerous SMEs. The group’s current projects span a range of cutting-edge topics within smart factories, automation, and supply chain digitalisation, viewed through the lenses of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The group publishes in leading international journals on these topics, such as International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Computers in Industry, Technological Forecasting & Social Change, Journal of Technology Transfer, etc.

The SDU TEI section is a highly international and interdisciplinary group of faculty members, with international students. The campus is in Sønderborg, an attractive coastal town with an open Scandinavian culture, and affordable housing and living costs. For more information on SDU TEI, please visit www.sdu.dk/tei.

The application deadline is October 30, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

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

• Motivated application. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• 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). 
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).  
• 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).
• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded in the box ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded in the box ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded in the box ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

If you experience technical problems, you can contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. 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.  

Conditions Of Enrollment/Employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.138 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

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 with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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

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.

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
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