Postdoctoral Position in Aerial Manipulation

Type of position: 
Postdoctoral Researcher
Short abstract: 
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position in the field of Aerial Manipulation at Inria Rennes, within the FlyHandyBot project. The postdoc will contribute to the development of novel methods for aerial robots interacting with dynamic and uncertain environments. The specific research topic is open, with a focus on enhancing aerial physical interaction capabilities through advancements in control, perception, and motion planning.
Description: 

The field of Aerial Manipulation is rapidly evolving, with applications ranging from industrial inspection to autonomous maintenance in hazardous environments. This postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research involving design, modeling, sensing, control, and planning for aerial robotic systems capable of interacting with movable and articulated objects.

The postdoc will join a dynamic research environment at Inria Rennes, collaborating with experts in aerial robotics, control, and perception. The research will be supported by state-of-the-art robotic platforms, experimental facilities, and international collaborations.

The position is highly flexible: the successful candidate will define their research focus within the broad field of Aerial Manipulation, aligning with the project’s overarching goal of advancing aerial physical interaction.

Envisaged Activities: 

    •    Conduct independent and high-quality research in aerial manipulation.

    •    Develop novel control, planning, and perception algorithms to enable robust and precise interaction with dynamic environments.

    •    Perform experimental validation on advanced aerial robotic platforms.

    •    Depending on seniority, supervise PhD and Master students.

    •    Contribute to the preparation of research proposals for national and international funding opportunities.

    •    Publish results in high-impact robotics journals and conferences (e.g., ICRA, IROS, TRO, RAL).

Conditions: 
  • The Postdoctoral researcher position is full-time for 1 year (extendable). The position will be paid according to the French salary regulations for Postdoctoral researchers.
  • We do high quality and impactful research in robotics, publishing on the major journals and conferences.
  • We often collaborate with other top researchers in europe and worldwide.
  • You will have access to a well established laboratory including:
    • two flying arenas equipped with motion tracking system, several quadrotors, and a few fully-actuated manipulators,
    • one robotic manipulation lab equipped with several robotic arms, like the Franka Emika Panda.
  • You will be part of an international and friendly team. We organize several events, from after works, to multi-day lab retreat.
  • Regular visits and talks by internationally known researchers from top research labs.
Requirements: 
  • PhD degree in mechatronics, robotics, AI, engineering, computer science (or related fields)

  • Strong background in robotics, control, motion planning, or perception.

  • Excellent pubblications in related fields
  • Excellent written and spoken English skills
  • Good experience in Python, C/C++ , ROS, Matlab/Simulink, CAD
  • Scientific curiosity, large autonomy and ability to work independently
  • Experience with robotic systems and/or aerial robots is a plus

 

How to apply: 

Interested candidates are requested to apply via this form. The position will remain open until a satisfactory candidate is found.
In case of positive feedback, you will be contacted. If not positive, you won't hear back. 
 

Applications sent directly by email and not through the web form will not be considered!!

Supervisors : 
Dr. Marco Tognon