Doctoral student in Automatic Control with focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Lund University School of Aviation (LUSA), conducts education and research within the broad Aeronautical Sciences. LUSA is a certified to educate commercial pilots (ATO) as well as remote pilots (ADS).

Subject description
Automatic Control is an exciting and broad subject, covering both deep mathematics and hands-on engineering. Historically it has been instrumental in many areas, from the early development of telecommunications to the space race. Today, driven by the needs of society and technological progress, Automatic Control has never been more relevant. It is crucial for secure operation of many cutting edge technologies, such as integration of renewable energy sources, cloud computing, robotics, Internet of Things and autonomous systems.

Does this sound interesting?

The two departments Lund University School of Aviation (LUSA) and the Department of Automatic Control, Lund University, are opening a PhD position within the research project UAS@LU Autonomous Flight. The PhD project is intended to focus on the development of autonomous aerial systems. The development towards autonomous flight, without a remote pilot, is seen as an important step in the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) abilities to address different kinds of societal challenges.

A PhD degree also gives you the perfect base for an exciting career, be it in academia or industry. Lund University School of Aviation and the Department of Automatic Control welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Work duties
The PhD student will be joining LUSA’s UAS-Lab; a research laboratory and infrastructure for unmanned aerial systems. The position is located at the airport in Ljungbyhed, the home of LUSA, but the PhD student will also join the research group at the Department for Automatic Control.

The project will focus on the development of autonomous aerial systems for sectors including Search And Rescue (SAR) and the detection and analysis of sources of radiation; both focus areas for ongoing research within the LUSA UAS-Lab.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Automatic Control if the applicant has:

• knowledge corresponding to Automatic Control Basic Course (FRT010) and a second cycle specialisation of relevance to the subject, or
• an MSc in engineering or equivalent

Additional requirements:

• A strong background in control theory and robotics, and ability for implementation in experimental environments and available lab infrastructure.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good language analytical ability.
• Curiousness about research and teaching.
• Creativity with good ability for cooperation and networking.
• Proactivity.
• Persistence and a methodological way of working.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessement criteria

• Good knowledge and experience with autonomous systems and programming in, e.g., Python/Julia/Matlab/C++, as well as experience from ROS and SLAM.

Assessment considerations include grades, certificates and references, as well as other relevant experience that demonstrates competences relevant to postgraduate studies. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).