PhD – Robotics navigation and manipulation – Norway

 A PhD position in robot navigation and manipulation is available at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology Management in the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Job Description

Mobile robot navigation is a rapidly evolving field. Robots can navigate quite well, where uncertainty in dead reckoning can be corrected through various sensor measurements (GPS, rangefinder, etc.). But in non-optimal conditions (underwater, GPS-degraded environment), robot localization is a challenge. The study will focus on strategies/models that can be applied in a constrained environment so that the robot can perform the assigned task. You will join the research efforts at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology Management at NMBU and contribute to its development. As a student in the PhD Program in Science and Technology, you will work on your doctoral thesis and obtain your PhD after successfully defending your thesis.

Main Tasks

• Develop a restricted virtual environment (underwater, city with high-rise buildings, etc.) in Gazebo, Unity3D, or another open-source environment and perform SLAM.
• Develop models of alternative measurement sensors that can help in localization and navigation.
• Validate and compare the models to perform certain tasks in the virtual environment (monitoring, cleaning, etc.).
• Incorporate errors and limitations in the robot and measurement system and develop control schemes to overcome them.
• Design, build, and test the robot in a real-world environment, if funding is available.

It is expected that the selected candidate will submit a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing the PhD within the scholarship period.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Foreign degrees must meet the admission criteria for the PhD program. Candidates submitting their Master’s thesis by May 31, 2025, may be considered.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English, in accordance with the PhD program’s admission criteria. • Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

• Knowledge of mobile robot navigation principles.
• Strong skills in data analysis, computer vision, and machine learning.
• Skills in scientific writing.

Preference will be given to applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results.

Personal Qualities

• Good collaboration skills and the ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good communication skills.

Benefits

• Salary of NOK 532,200 per year. A higher salary may be considered for exceptionally well-qualified candidates.
• Position code in the government pay scale 1017, PhD Researcher.

Organization/Company – Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Research Field – Chemistry, Physics

Researcher Profile – First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country – Norway

Application Deadline – March 3, 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

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