Doctoral Position in Reinforcement Learning applied to Robotics Autonomy in Space

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

The Centre is rapidly expanding its research activities and is seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates who wish to pursue research in close cooperation with our partners. For further information you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu, www.spacer.lu , https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/spacer

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

The successful candidates will join a strong and motivated research team led by Prof. Miguel Olivares-Mendez (Space Robotics (SpaceR) research group). This PhD position is part of a larger project called R3AMA. The selected PhD students will be expected to collaborate with academic partners from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as the IMT Atlantic, and the industrial partner Iadys. This PhD will focus on applying model-based RL technics to increase the autonomy of space robots for near-field operations. We invite the curious reader to read the full project proposal here.

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Disseminating results through scientific publications
• Collaborating with academic partners, in particular Georgia Tech

Qualification: The candidate should possess an MSc degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Data Science, or Robotics engineering.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have knowledge and experience in most of the following topics:

• Solid python coding skills
• Experience in model free/based RL
• Proficiency with either pytorch, tensorflow or Jax

Having experience in the following topics is a bonus (candidates with no experience in the following are still highly encouraged to apply):

• Knowledge of ROS and Docker
• Experience with git
• Experience with classical and modern Computer Vision
• Familiarity with robotic simulation software: Gazebo, Omniverse

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

Applications should include:

• Full CV, including the name (and email address, etc.) of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL06433

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

For further information, please contact us at antoine.richard@uni.lu, matteo.elhariry@uni.lu