PhD Student in Semi-autonomous navigation of UAS for river monitoring - DTU Space

Do you want to develop advanced navigation systems for UAS-based river monitoring in complex terrains? The Technical University of Denmark invites applicants to a fully funded 3-year PhD project. DTU Space and DTU Sustain along with European partners been granted the Horizon Europe project “Unmanned Airborne Water Observing System” (UAWOS). The project will investigate how drones can be used for river monitoring in complex and hard-to-reach areas, such as mountainous or arctic terrains. The purpose of the UAS surveys is to collect critical hydrological parameters, such as Water Surface Elevation (WSE), bathymetry and water velocity using payloads supplied by the project partners. The UAS-borne surveys are intended to replace cumbersome in-situ measurements and should provide a better spatial and temporal resolution than satellite observations. 

A key challenge in this project is to develop advanced semi-autonomous navigation algorithms and operator support systems for the UAS, as GNSS is vulnerable to obstructions and reflection from overhanging vegetation and mountainsides and must be operated in extended visual line of sight. As the UAS will be operated very close to the water-surface, there will also be an emphasis on developing collision detection systems, such that the inspections can be performed in a safe manner.

You will be enrolled with DTU Space in the division of Geodesy and Earth Observation (GEO), but the project will also be in close collaboration and co-supervised by DTU Sustain.

For more information on the objectives and partners in the UAWOS project, see https://uawos.dtu.dk/

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for designing semi-autonomous support systems for the UAS, that will minimize the risk of collisions. Moreover, as GNSS could be degraded in certain areas, you will also implement sensor-fusion algorithms using vision, GNSS and inertial data to ensure a precise and reliable geo-referencing of the collected data. You are expected to take part in field campaigns at various international sites and hence should be prepared for a fair bit of travelling.

In addition to the design of the UAS navigation and support system, it is also expected that the you will assist with data processing tasks, data interpretation and merging of data gathered from the UAS system with satellite observations.     

The successful candidate will have experience within the following areas,

• Computer Vision
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Sensor Fusion / Kalman filtering
• Machine Learning / Deep Learning
• Remote Sensing

It is moreover considered an advantage if the candidate has experience with satellite remote sensing, inertial navigation and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

In addition to the above, it is also expected that you will contribute to the teaching in the department by functioning as a TA and performing guest lectures in selected courses.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

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 . 

Assessment
The assessment of candidates will be made by Associate Professor Daniel Olesen (DTU Space), Senior Researcher Karina Nielsen (DTU Space) and Professor Peter Bauer-Gottwein (DTU Sustain).

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 appointment terms 
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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information might be obtained by email from Associate Professor Daniel Olesen ([email protected] ), DTU Space.

You can read more about the division at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-Divisions/Geodesy-and-Earth-Observation

You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 June 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

DTU Space are Denmark's largest space science research institute and a reputable international institution. From space we explore the Earth and the universe. Our history goes back to the 1960s. With space as the starting point we conduct research, develop new technology, educate engineers and scientists, and provide advice for the benefit of people and society. 

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 13,500 students and 6,000 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.