Postdoc: Swarm Intelligence & RL for Autonomous Robots

Maisonmoderne; Luxemburg; Sur place; EUR 77 000 - 94 000; Plein temps

Description du poste

Your role

The FEderated droNe Countering system (FENCE) project is a collaboration between the University of Luxembourg – SnT and Luxembourg Tech School (LTS). It aims to propose a unique swarm-based counter-UAS approach enabling autonomous generation and continuous adaptation of protective swarm behaviours.

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral researcher to strengthen the research team in the area of Swarm Intelligence, Reinforcement Learning and Optimization Techniques. As a Postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Lead cutting edge research in Swarm Intelligence and Machine Learning, addressing challenges in counter drone swarm formation and defense
• Design and conduct experiments using both simulation environments and real-world deployments with the nano-drones of the University’s SwarmLab
• Disseminate research outcomes through publications in top-tier international conferences and journals
• Contribute to research proposal writing and actively support the group’s efforts in securing competitive national and European funding
• Represent the University of Luxembourg in international research forums, fostering collaboration and visibility
• Mentor PhD students and student assistants working on related topics
• Participate in teaching and supervision activities, in line with the candidate’s profile and interests

The research activities will be hosted by the Parallel Computing and Optimisation Group (PCOG) at SnT, headed by Prof. Grégoire Danoy. PCOG conducts research in parallel computing, search and optimisation techniques, to provide efficient, scalable and robust solutions to state-of-the-art, large-scale discrete/combinatorial problems. Detailed information about the group can be found on the PCOG website.

Your profile

Required qualifications and experience:

• PhD in any discipline relevant to this area of research e.g. computer science, applied mathematics, operations research
• Strong expertise in exact and/or approximated methods, meta-heuristics and/or machine learning,
• Proven experience in writing successful research proposals
• Experience in research project management or coordination
• Solid software development skills in Python; C/C++ is a plus
• Fluency in English is required
• Commitment, creativity, and teamwork skills

Desirable assets:

• Experience in embedded systems or robotics is a plus
• Experience in cybersecurity is a plus

Due to the specific requirements for this position and due to the constraints of the project, please note that we are only able to consider applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, or from NATO Allied nations, or from NATO Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, Japan, Rep South Korea, New Zealand).

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the University of the Greater Region (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs ...

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08023

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Europe by fuelling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.