Jan Steckel

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time PhD scholarship in Biomimetic Echolocation and Autonomous Aerial Robotics, with a particular focus on quadrotor control. This position is hosted by the Department of Electrical and ICT Engineering Technology within the Faculty of Applied Engineering, and is part of the Cosys-Lab research group. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Jan Steckel and Professor Walter Daems, contributing to the FWO-funded ECHO-FLIGHT project. The ECHO-FLIGHT project leverages nearly two decades of research in 3D in-air sonar and bat echolocation to pioneer quadrotor UAV control based primarily on echolocation. Unlike previous UAV echolocation systems, this project incorporates advanced biological features such as wideband sensing and HRTF-based spatial encoding, mirroring the remarkable spatial perception of bats. By utilizing array signal processing to synthesize morphology-induced HRTFs, the project enables a flexible, high-fidelity, and scalable approach to biomimetic airborne sonar. As a doctoral researcher, you will be responsible for integrating echolocation-driven perception into closed-loop control of quadrotor UAVs. This involves developing active sensing strategies and autonomous navigation systems that do not rely on vision, combining auditory perception models, predictive processing, and flight control. Your work will be validated through both simulation and experimental flight tests on embedded GPU platforms. You will also collaborate closely with another PhD student focused on the perception system, and contribute to teaching and research support tasks related to cyber-physical systems and applied image/data processing. Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related field, with good academic results. Candidates should possess a strong foundation in control theory, robotics, or autonomous systems, preferably with experience in UAVs or mobile robots. Additional desirable skills include embedded systems and real-time computing (especially with platforms like NVIDIA Jetson), proficiency in Python and/or C++ for robotics software development, and familiarity with state estimation, sensor fusion, or active sensing frameworks. Hands-on experience with experimental robotics, system integration, testing, and debugging on physical platforms is highly valued. English language proficiency is required. The scholarship is offered for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation and continued funding. The monthly scholarship amount is determined according to university rates. Additional benefits include ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. Doctoral researchers have access to a wide range of courses and educational credits through the Antwerp Doctoral School, and will work primarily at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating environment. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 19 January 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter, academic CV, and a brief statement explaining how your research interests align with the project’s focus on ultrasound, robotics, and machine learning. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]; for job-related inquiries, reach out to prof. Jan Steckel at [email protected]. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The institution has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a family-friendly, growth-oriented working environment.

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in neural representations of medium distortions in multi-modal robotic simulations. This position is based in the Cosys-lab research group within the Department of Electrical and ICT Engineering Technology, Faculty of Applied Engineering. The research is supervised by Professor Jan Steckel and Professor Walter Daems and forms part of the Flanders Make project Harmony. The project focuses on simulating realistic medium distortions—such as dust, fog, and rain—that impact sensor data in robotic perception systems. The research aims to develop neural BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) representations to simulate these distortions across various sensor modalities, including cameras, lidars, radars, and sonar sensors. The successful candidate will actively prepare and defend a PhD thesis, publish scientific articles, and collaborate with other PhD students and external partners in the SBO project. Additional responsibilities include limited teaching and research support tasks related to cyber-physical systems, electronics lab work, and applied image/data processing. The position offers a dynamic and stimulating environment at Campus Groenenborger, with access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a Master degree in Computer Science or Electronics Engineering by the start date. Strong academic performance is required. Essential skills include proficiency in scientific programming (Python and/or MATLAB), experience with C++ and complex software maintenance, and the ability to design, conduct, and analyse controlled experiments in simulation and with real sensor data. Experience with CUDA and robotic simulators such as Cosys-Airsim, Unreal Engine 5, and Isaac-Sim is highly desirable. The scholarship is offered for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation. During the first year, the candidate will submit an application to the Flemish science fund (FWO) for a full doctoral scholarship. The monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to standard doctoral scholarship rates. Additional benefits include ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. The planned start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 18 May 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter and academic CV. The selection committee will review applications after the deadline and notify candidates regarding next steps. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For job-related inquiries, contact Professor Jan Steckel at [email protected]. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. It has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a family-friendly, sustainable working environment that invests in employee growth.