Multi-sensor fusion and payload systems for UAVs

About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD candidate at Department of Engineering Cybernetics, on the topic of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for oceanographic and arctic research, within the research project called the Nansen Legacy (Arven etter Nansen) https://arvenetternansen.com. It is a novel and holistic Arctic research project that provides the integrated scientific knowledge base required for the sustainable management through the 21st century of the environment and marine resources of the Barents Sea and adjacent Arctic Basin. The PhD research topic is related to technical aspects of operating UAVs from ships in the Arctic such as navigation robustness, takeoff and landing from ships, payload sensor systems such as thermal and hyperspectral imaging, and coordination with other data platforms such as satellites, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The main focus will be on navigation, sensor fusion and payload systems. However, topics as path planning and control might become relevant. The developed systems will be field tested and utilized within the Nansen Legacy field campaigns in the Barents Sea and Arctic Basin. Of particular interest is the mapping of sea ice and biological production (plankton).

The research and education at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics cover a wide range of relevant topics including sensors, embedded systems, robotics, autonomous systems, unmanned vehicles, navigation, and automatic control. The research activity is associated with the Center of Excellence on Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (AMOS) at NTNU (https://www.ntnu.edu/amos). The Center for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (NTNU-AMOS) contributes with fundamental and interdisciplinary knowledge on autonomous systems in marine applications.

The position reports to Adjunct Associate Professor Torleiv H. Bryne.

Main duties and responsibilities

We expect the candidate to:

• be motivated for work with UAV technology
• to carry out both theoretical and practical work
• be a team player and be a contributing member of the NTNU UAV-lab (https://www.itk.ntnu.no/english/lab/unmanned) team
• take part in cross-disciplinary collaborations within the Nansen Legacy project
• be motivated to for longer field campaigns in the far north with the Norwegian research icebreaker RV Kronprins Haakon as base
• acquire new skills required by the research project
• display initiative in identifying and resolving problems relating to the research
• maintain frequent and regular contact with the supervisors and collaborators and seeking advice from supervisors, collaborators and colleagues
• fulfil tasks required by the supervisors as part of the project
• present results through written work (especially scientific papers) and oral presentations at conference and seminars meeting an international standard.

There may be possibilities for participating in departmental duties, such as teaching assistance. These possibilities will be discussed and agreed upon as part of the requirement process.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in control system engineering, cybernetics, electronic systems, mechatronics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree. Competence on unmanned aerial vehicles, sensor fusion, imaging and image processing, guidance, navigation and control systems is an advantage. Due to the applied nature of the project skills within complied programming languages such as C/C++ and a hands-on mentality are also desirable. Applicants that expect to complete their MSc studies by summer 2020 can apply.

Excellent English skills, written and spoken, are required. Applicants from non-European countries where English is not the official language must present an official language test report. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:

• TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
• IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
• CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

The research of this project has civilian objectives. However, equipment restricted by export licenses and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) is being used in this research area. Applicants that are citizens of Norway, NATO countries, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Sweden are eligible. Other applicants must provide evidence of eligibility to use such equipment for their application to be considered.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Personal characteristics

Applicants are required to justify their candidateship by explicitly explaining their personal motivation and academic aptitude for pursuing a doctoral degree within this research field.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 or 4 years (with or without required teaching duties). Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Engineering Cybernetics. As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criterias in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent, NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life (http://trondheim.com/). Having a population of 200 000, Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

Questions about the position can be directed to Adjunct Associate Professor Torleiv H. Bryne, e-mail: torleiv.h.bryne@ntnu.no .

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI): http://www.chsi.com.cn/en/).

Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number 2019/40178 when applying.

Application deadline: January 15th, 2020.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Engineering Cybernetics (ITK)

Engineering cybernetics is the study of automatic control and monitoring of dynamic systems. We develop the technologies of tomorrow through close cooperation with industry and academia, both in Norway and internationally. The Department contributes to the digitalization, automation and robotization of society. The Department of Engineering Cybernetics is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering.

Deadline 15th January 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Project
Place of service Trondheim