Would you like to combine novel machine learning approaches with autonomous robots in the construction sector? We are inviting a fully funded 3-year PhD position in the area of deep learning-based sensor fusion for construction robotics perception.

The PhD project is funded by the Horizon Europe project RobétArmé (Human-robot collaborative construction system for shotcrete digitization and automation through advanced perception, cognition, mobility and additive manufacturing skills). Thus, this PhD project will be an integral part of a broader research team, consisting of collaborating partners across Europe with a common passion for autonomous construction robotics.

The PhD candidate will explore deep learning-based sensor fusion methods to analyse data from multiple different sensors onboard an autonomous mobile robot, while the perception system needs to operate under harsh environmental and lighting conditions. The research topic of this PhD project stands at the intersection of Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Robotics.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Are you excited about introducing robotics in the construction sector, making it more efficient and sustainable? Can you also see the opportunities that Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Robotics open up for autonomously operating construction robots? If you share our passion for technology and the difference it can make, then perhaps you are our new PhD student.

As part of our research team:

• You will be responsible for developing an AI perception system of a robot, endowing it with the capability to fuse data from its various sensors.
• You will engage in novel research around deep learning and 2D/3D computer vision for a well-defined real problem.
• You will participate in the integration and field testing of the robotic platform, together with our other high-profile European partners of the RobétArmé project

At DTU, you will be part of the Automation & Control Group and you will find yourself among multiple PhD students and senior researchers working on multiple aspects of autonomous systems and robotics. Your PhD project will result in scientific publications and experimental validation of your results. You will present at international conferences as part of your research training and you will in addition sharpen your didactics skills through experience as teaching assistant.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Additionally, it would be nice to have any experience with some of the following:

• Specialization in machine learning or robot vision would be an advantage.
• Specialization in state estimation and sensor fusion would be an advantage.
• Experience with open-source tools for machine learning and robot vision would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with design of deep neural networks architectures would be an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 July 2023 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Lazaros Nalpantidis by sending an email to lanalpa@dtu.dk.

You can read more about the Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering at www.electro.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 March 2023 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within robotics, autonomous systems, power electronics, acoustic, nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.