PhD Position in Data-Driven Mathematical Methods for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Section of Statistics a; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 290,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

The PhD position at Aalborg University’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Section of Statistics and Mathematical Economics, focuses on data-driven probabilistic methods for autonomous underwater vehicles. Research covers time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification with maritime applications.

Candidates will engage in interdisciplinary work spanning sensing, underwater robotics, and autonomous maritime

Qualifications

• Strong background in time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification.
• Collaborations with engineers are a plus.
• Clear communication in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Perform teaching tasks during PhD studies, e.g., lecturing or project supervision.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, sensing technologies, and underwater systems.

Skills

Time-series modelling

Stochastic processes

Statistical learning

Uncertainty quantification

Education

Master's degree

Job description

PhD Position in Data-Driven Mathematical Methods for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Section of Statistics and Mathematical Economics

Your work tasks
The project will focus on the development of probabilistic and data-driven methods for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s). The work builds on a strong foundation in time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification, with applications in underwater robotics and maritime technology.

A central part of the project is the development of interpretable probabilistic models for changes in vehicle behaviour and operational regimes under varying environmental conditions, including short-horizon forecasting. The work involves trajectory, navigation, control, and sensor data from underwater robotic platforms, including AUVs and remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s), and connects the statistical methodology with underwater localization, subsea sensing, vehicle dynamics, and autonomous systems.

The position is highly interdisciplinary and combines mathematical and statistical modelling with sensing technologies, underwater engineering, and autonomous maritime systems, with the overall aim of improving the reliability and robustness of autonomous underwater operations.

During the PhD studies, you will also be expected to perform teaching tasks – e.g. lecturing or project supervision – at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Your competencies
Based on the research tasks tied to the position, we seek a candidate who has a strong background in time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification, having in mind applications in underwater robotics and maritime technology. A documented previous history of collaboration with engineers is a plus.

The candidate should be able to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English. As part of the position, you are expected to participate in workshops and conferences to present your results to fellow researchers and build up an international network. Furthermore, you should be willing to complete a stay abroad once during the PhD studies in order to strengthen your profile as a researcher.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are
The PhD position will be hosted at the Department of Mathematical Sciences under the supervision of Associate Professor J. Eduardo Vera-Valdés. Some of the activities will be done in collaboration with the Underwater Technology research group with Esbjerg Energy Section.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Type of employment

Type of employment Temporary position more than 6 months

Contract type

Contract type Full time

Number of positions

Number of positions 1

Full-time equivalent 37

City

City Aalborg

County *

County *

Country

Country

Reference number

Reference number 2026/1185

Contact

• Professor Horia Cornean, [phone], [e-mail]