Researcher (Postdoc) in Off-Road SLAM and Advanced Perception

University of Twente (UT); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the Netherlands is offering a postdoctoral position focused on autonomous systems and advanced perception techniques. The role involves collaboration with a partner company on SLAM technologies using lidar, camera, and IMU. Candidates should possess a PhD and demonstrate expertise in semantic segmentation and sensor fusion. This opportunity blends academic research with practical applications, fostering innovation in challenging environments like off-road terrains. Competitive salary and excellent working conditions are provided.

Benefits

Gross monthly salary between €4,075.00 and €5,538.00

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

41 holiday days per year

Assistance in applying for the 30% ruling

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of semantic segmentation and SLAM.
• Experience with sensor fusion techniques like lidar and camera.
• Passion for research in algorithms, particularly in AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced perception systems for autonomous navigation.
• Design and implement algorithms for real-world applications.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary research alongside a leading industry partner.

Skills

Semantic segmentation

SLAM

Sensor fusion

Embedded programming

Real-time computing

Python

C

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

ROS2

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Twente (UT) Research Field Engineering » Computer engineering Engineering » Control engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country Netherlands Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by an EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Are you passionate about autonomous systems and advanced perception techniques? We offer an exciting postdoctoral position, in collaboration with Demcon, focusing on off-road SLAM using lidar, camera, and IMU.

Do you have a deep understanding of semantic segmentation, SLAM, sensor fusion (lidar, camera, IMU), embedded programming, and/or real-time computing? Are you ready to push the boundaries of autonomous navigation in challenging environments like forests and off-road terrains? Join our innovative project where simulated data and real hardware testing create innovative solutions.

The work builds on our recent results.

You will be at the forefront of developing advanced perception systems, using deep learning and simulation‑to‑real domain adaptation techniques. You will work with a multidisciplinary team, contributing to fundamental and applied research. Your role will involve designing and implementing algorithms. Testing with actual robotic platforms is handled by Demcon. Innovative simulation data is used for both training and testing.

The project is in parallel with our dedication to teaching perception in our MSc Robotics programme and MSc Geo‑information programme, offering you also the chance to mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers (all teaching is fully optional). This is a unique opportunity to blend academic research with real‑world applications, supported by a leading company in the industry.

After successful employment at the University of Twente, it is possible to discuss a (part‑time) position at Demcon.

• A consistent track record of research excellence.
• Knowledge of and experience in Scan matching and odometry in unstructured/off‑road environments, Semantic segmentation of LiDAR and camera data using modern AI methods, and Geometry‑semantics fusion for robust navigation and mapping (e.g., representation learning, distillation, feature/attention alignment, joint perception‑SLAM models).
• Passion for research and algorithms, including Python/ONNX and C, e.g. pytorch and ROS2.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong command of English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Simulation‑to‑real domain adaptation and experience on related techniques.
• Research & development experience in C‑based deep‑learning inference on GPU and CPU (e.g., ONNX Runtime, TensorRT, OpenVINO, or similar).
• Solid understanding of high‑performance optimisation and model fine‑tuning techniques.
• Strong knowledge of ROS2 architecture, including executors, callback groups, and real‑time considerations.

Additional Information

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment.
• A full‑time position for one year.
• Gross monthly salary between €4,075.00 and €5,538.00 per month, depending on experience and qualifications (UFO profile Researcher 4).
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year‑end bonus of 8.3%.
• Assistance in applying for the 30% ruling (a possible tax deduction for foreigners).
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in the case of full‑time employment.
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus.

For more information about the position, please contact Dr Ville Lehtola (email: [e-mail]). You are also invited to visit our institute website (https://www.itc.nl) and the robotics centre website (https://www.utwente.nl/en/robotics/). For questions about working and living in the Netherlands please consult the official website of the Netherlands Government (https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/theme/work-in-the-netherlands) or the website of the Expat Center East Netherlands (https://expatcentereastnetherlands.nl). Please submit your application before 16 January 2026. Your application should include:

• A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position.
• Curriculum Vitae with a full list of publications, and two references with their contact details.
• A short description (150 – 250 words) of your PhD research and a copy of your PhD diploma. If you are in the final stage, then a letter from your PhD supervisor, stating the date of PhD defence, is also sufficient.

Interviews will be held before the 30th of January 2026. If possible, the employment will start on the 1st of March 2026. Screening is part of the selection procedure.