PhD Position in Foundation Models for Robot Trajectories – Marie Curie Doctoral Network Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium

This PhD position, part of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network and the GreenFieldData project, offers a unique opportunity to advance research in robotics and artificial intelligence. Hosted jointly by Université Libre de Bruxelles and Université Clermont Auvergne, the program focuses on developing foundation models for robot trajectories, leveraging GPT-like architectures to predict optimal paths for robots in real outdoor environments. The research will utilize historical trajectory data, robot states, and environmental characteristics stored in databases to train these models, aiming to push the boundaries of spatiotemporal data analysis and autonomous robotics.

The successful candidate will participate in a double PhD program, spending 18 months at the Data Science and Engineering Lab in Brussels, Belgium, and 18 months at the TSCF unit of INRAE in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This international collaboration provides access to top-tier training, research secondments, and a vibrant network of leading institutions across Europe. The project is funded by the EU Horizon Europe Marie Curie Doctoral Network, ensuring competitive compensation and additional allowances for eligible candidates.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, computer technology, remote sensing, or a related discipline. Proficiency in English is required. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must comply with the Marie Curie mobility rule, which restricts applicants who have lived or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. All nationalities are encouraged to apply, fostering a diverse and dynamic research environment.

The position offers a base salary of €4,720 gross per month (approximate net base salary €3,140/month), with an additional family allowance of €660 gross per month if applicable. The program starts in September 2026, and applications must be submitted by 15 April 2026. For further details and to apply, candidates should consult the full position description and submit their application via the provided online form.

This is an exceptional opportunity for early-stage researchers passionate about robotics, AI, and data science to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in robot trajectory modeling and to gain international experience in a collaborative academic setting.