Ph.D. position in quadrupedal legged robots in natural environments at KU Leuven in Belgium

1 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

23 May 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-252

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The project centers around developing legged, mobile robots for applications in forestry and agriculture. This research focuses on robust locomotion in rough terrain, energy efficient locomotion, and interaction with the natural environment. Consequently, both fundamental and application aspects are relevant for the development its hardware and control. The project will build up upon previous projects such as BirdBot robot, Ecowalker robot, MORTI quadruped robot, and ODRI/SOLO-legged robot. See the DLG webpage for more examples of previous research projects. 

We specifically value developing open, affordable, and easy-to-access hardware/software solutions that all members of our society benefit from. 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

The position is fully funded. The position becomes available pending formal administrative approval, requiring enrolment in the university Ph.D. program. After a one-year evaluation period, the contract can be extended to four years. We provide access to state-of-the-art facilities.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality, or impairments. If you have any questions about accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected] . 

Eligibility criteria

The successful candidate must have a Master's degree in a relevant Engineering field: Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science, or related.  Fluency in at least one common programming language is required, English fluency is expected. The candidate must demonstrate their ability and aptitude for teaching assistance work, with a degree or transcripts of courses relevant to Mechanical Engineering. 
Hands-on experience in previous projects related to mechanical design and control is an advantage. 
The successful candidate is required to assist with teaching two ME courses per year.
Candidates that are close to finishing their Masters degree can be considered. You can apply for this position until mid May 2024 through the KUL online application tool, see details below.

Selection process

Submit your application through the application tool. Ideally as a single PDF file.
* A 1-page (max 1.5 pages) cover letter: explain concisely your motivation for this Ph.D. research project. Non-specific motivation letters will not be considered!
* Your CV. Add a list of your publications if applicable.
* A list of your completed courses related to robotics, mechatronics, or machine learning, including online courses.
* Your earliest availability.
* Explain shortly how you could support teaching in our department, i.e., which subjects.
* If available, a link to your web/GitHub page providing information about your previous robotic/related projects.
* Contact information of at least three referees with name, position, e-mail, and phone number.
* A copy of your academic transcripts, including bachelor's and master's grades. 
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Alexander Badri-Spröwitz, tel.: +32 16 32 17 97, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 23/05/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/Xkc9VxX21OmSWX573qJ

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED