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Aalborg University
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3 days ago
One or more Postdocs in Collaborative Control of Tethered USV–UUV Systems for Offshore Inspection Aalborg University in Denmark
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
3-year Postdoc position with salary and terms in accordance with the Danish AC collective agreement and university academic staff regulations; 3-month mutual probationary period.
Deadline
Nov 18, 2026
Country
Denmark
University
Aalborg University
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About this position
This postdoc sits in AAU Energy at Aalborg University and is embedded in the Underwater Technology research group in the Esbjerg Energy section. The project is part of the ABBA USV – Above and Below Autonomous Unmanned Systems initiative, which develops coordinated autonomous systems for offshore inspection, maintenance, repair, and surveillance.
The advertised research focuses on the collaborative control of a tethered USV–UUV system, where an unmanned surface vehicle and an unmanned underwater vehicle operate as a coupled robotic team. The tether provides power and high-bandwidth communication, but also creates dynamic coupling and control challenges that must be handled explicitly. The role is aimed at advancing model-based control methods that can support safe, efficient offshore missions.
The postdoc will work on the coordination of heterogeneous marine robots in two complementary operational modes: a towed mode for long-range survey and precision path following, and an inspection mode where the underwater vehicle manoeuvres near offshore structures while the surface vehicle maintains favourable tether geometry. The advertised research themes include modelling of the coupled vehicle–tether dynamics, predictive coordination, disturbance and interaction estimation, safety-critical constraint handling, and development of simulation or digital-twin environments.
Experimental validation is a major part of the position. The successful candidate will help implement and evaluate algorithms on robotic platforms in the ABBA project, with testing that may range from software- and hardware-in-the-loop studies to controlled pool experiments, harbour trials, and offshore demonstrations. The postdoc will also collaborate with researchers, PhD students, and industrial partners in the consortium to support integration and demonstration of the methods on the project platforms.
The research environment at AAU Energy is described as international, highly collaborative, and strongly connected to industry, with extensive workshop and laboratory facilities supporting practical research in energy and mechatronic technologies.
Funding details
3-year Postdoc position with salary and terms in accordance with the Danish AC collective agreement and university academic staff regulations; 3-month mutual probationary period.
What's required
Applicants should hold a PhD degree, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering field such as control engineering, robotics, automation, electrical engineering, mechatronics, marine engineering, mechanical engineering or a similar area. Strong background in control theory, dynamic modelling and autonomous systems is expected, with valued experience in robust control, Model Predictive Control, nonlinear control, state estimation, trajectory tracking, path following or multi-agent control. Knowledge of observer design, disturbance estimation, sensor fusion or related estimation methods is advantageous. Experience with mobile robots, autonomous vehicles, multi-agent systems or marine robotics is beneficial, as is strong programming and modelling skill in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, ROS, Gazebo or similar frameworks. Experience with optimisation software, digital twins, experimental data analysis, robotic platforms, real-time control, field trials and marine experiments is considered an advantage. A strong publication record in relevant areas and excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
How to apply
Submit the application through Aalborg University’s recruitment system accessed from the job advertisement on the university website. Include a 1–2 page research statement, CV, diplomas, up to 5 relevant publications, and any optional documentation of teaching, dissemination, additional qualifications, and references/recommendations.
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