Postdoctoral Researcher in State Estimation for Continuum Robots (M / F)

Université Grenoble Alpes; La Tronche; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious university in La Tronche seeks a researcher for a project focusing on state estimation methods for continuum robots. The successful candidate will require a PhD in Automatic Control, Robotics, or a related field, with strong skills in control theory, AI, and image processing. Responsibilities include developing innovative methods and interacting with project partners. The role offers a gross starting salary of €2,900 monthly, and is expected to contribute to scientific publications. Candidates should have a strong command of English (C1).

Qualifications

• Strong analytical foundations and experience in state estimation theory (Kalman filters, observers, particle filters).
• Advanced knowledge of deep learning and reinforcement learning is highly desirable.
• Experience in image processing will be a major asset.

Responsabilités

• Develop state estimation methods for continuum robots inspired by control theory.
• Implement and operate imaging systems for image processing.
• Supervise experiments and interact with project partners.

Connaissances

Control theory

State estimation

Robotics

Optimization

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Image processing

C++

Python

English (C1 Level)

Formation

PhD in Automatic Control, Robotics, or related field

Description du poste

Type of recruitment :

Fixed-term contract (CDD)

Position: Full time (100%)

Contract duration :

From January 1st, 2026 to January 31st, 2027

Location: TIMC

6 chemin Saint-Ferjus, CReSI

38700 La Tronche, France

Presentation of the structure

The (TIMC) is a research unit (UMR 5525, CNRS and Université Grenoble Alpes), led by Alexandre Moreau-Gaudry. The laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research at the core of translational health research. It brings together more than 300 people, in close proximity and collaboration with Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHU Grenoble Alpes), and hosts expertise from many fields, illustrated by the participation of both researchers and clinicians.

Within TIMC, the GMCAO team (Computer-Assisted Medical Interventions), led by Sandrine Voros, INSERM Researcher, is a pioneer in the field of computer-assisted medical interventions. The team has strong expertise in medical robotics, developed over nearly 30 years, including the coordination of the CAMI LabEx and the creation of more than 10 start‑ups.

The GMCAO team aims to establish, in the long term, a federative experimental platform dedicated to continuum / flexible robots for medical applications. This initiative began in 2019 with support from CNRS (INS2I) and the recruitment of a permanent researcher specializing in the field.

Job description

Under the supervision of Dr. Taha Chikhaoui, CNRS Researcher and member of the GMCAO team, you will be responsible for :

• Developing state estimation methods, inspired by control theory and hybridized with AI, for continuum robots using exteroceptive and proprioceptive measurements, as well as mechanical modeling.
• Implementing and operating imaging systems and performing image processing.
• Implementing dedicated software and hardware, and conducting and supervising experiments.
• Interacting with project partners and ensuring project follow‑up.

Primary activities

• Study and structure the state‑of‑the‑art in state estimation and AI‑based methods.
• Analyze the scientific needs related to the project and contribute to drafting the project specifications.
• Propose original state estimation methods for continuum robots and implement them.
• Master image processing tools and use them for state estimation.
• Lead the development of software and hardware experiments, interpret results, and validate them.
• Present, disseminate, and promote results, through scientific publications, among others.

Position specifics

These specifics are defined according to the regulations of Université Grenoble Alpes and the host laboratory (TIMC)

Expected skills

Technical skills

• Control theory
• State estimation
• Robotics
• Optimization
• Deep learning / Reinforcement learning
• Image processing
• Engineering science fundamentals
• Programming languages (C++, Python)
• Written and oral presentation techniques (mainly LaTeX)
• English language : minimum level C1

Operational skills

• Project management
• Autonomy and motivation
• Leading meetings
• Use of domain‑specific software

Education, Degree, and Desired Experience

A PhD (or equivalent) in Automatic Control, Robotics, or a related field.

Strong analytical foundations and experience in state estimation theory (Kalman filters, observers, particle filters, etc.) are required.

Advanced knowledge of deep learning and / or reinforcement learning is highly desirable. Experience in image processing will be a major asset.

Salary

Starting from €2,900 gross monthly, depending on experience.