PhD in Safe Learning Based Control for Autonomous Robots in Dynamic Environments

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a PhD stipend in the field of Safe Learning Based Control for Autonomous Robots in Dynamic Environments within the general study programme Electrical and Electronic Engineering; as per March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The candidate will be based in Aalborg at the Automation and Control Section.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.
  
Description of the position
The position focuses on developing next-generation learning-based decision-making and control for autonomous robots operating safely in dynamic, crowded environments. As a PhD candidate, you will develop methods that combine data-driven autonomy with formal safety guarantees and validate them in real time through simulation and experimental evaluation.

The position is hosted at the Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University, within a friendly and highly collaborative research environment, with a well-established research network of partner universities and research institutes. You will be part of strong national and international research activities and engage in close collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
We look forward to receiving your application. Join us and help shape the future of safe autonomous systems.

Description of the project
This project aims to develop novel strategies for safe and adaptive navigation of autonomous mobile robots in dynamic human environments. The central objective is to enable robots to anticipate, interpret, and respond to human movement and interactions, thereby improving both safety and pedestrian comfort, even in complex crowd scenarios. The research moves beyond predefined or rule-based behaviours by integrating online learning and adaptation with formal safety guarantees.

The project will deliver a theoretical, algorithmic, and real-time implementation framework for on-the-fly autonomy in crowds. The resulting methods will (i) adapt to unpredictable human interactions that introduce high levels of uncertainty, (ii) provide guarantees with respect to safety, performance, and comfort , and (iii) be implemented and evaluated in robot simulation environments (e.g., ROS/Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar) and validated through proof-of-concept experiments using highly sensorised mobile robotic platforms in laboratory settings.

Your work tasks    
The PhD candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting research in real-time safe learning and control of autonomous robotic systems.
• Actively contributing to the formulation and refinement of research questions within the doctoral project.
• Taking an active role in planning, implementing, and, when necessary, adapting the research plan.P
• Publishing research results in top-tier international journals and conferences, and presenting findings at project meetings and international scientific venues.

   
Your competencies   
The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Control Theory, Computer Science, or a closely related field, and a solid background in robotics, autonomous systems, and/or control theory. The candidate should have good programming skills in Python and/or C++, and prior experience with robotics software frameworks such as ROS/ROS 2.

You will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment, with excellent written and spoken English skills. To thrive in this role, it is important that you take a structured, self-driven approach to technical work and communicate effectively within the team and with external partners. 

While not required, it will be considered an advantage if you have experience with safety-critical systems, multi-agent autonomy, or learning-based/data-driven/robust/adaptive control under uncertainty, supported by strong mathematical foundations. Hands-on experience with real-time robotics experiments (e.g., ROS-based platforms) and prior publications in robotics or control venues will also be viewed positively, along with a high degree of self-motivation, creativity, accuracy, and a structured approach to problem solving.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    
The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University (AAU) conducts internationally recognised research and education across digital technologies, including robotics, AI, control systems, communications, sound, and cybersecurity. Within the department, the Advanced Robotics & AI research group advances self-learning autonomous robotic systems for reliable operation in extreme environments. Our research strengthens robotic autonomy and resilience, enabling systems to operate safely and with minimal supervision in challenging settings.

How to apply 
Your application must include the following:
o    Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position, 
o    Curriculum Vitae (CV)
o    Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma) 
o    Master's thesis or relevant publications (if available)
o    1-2 letters of recommendation with contact information (optional)
o    Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact Associate Professor Shahab Heshmati-Alamdarius, email shhe@es.aau.dk, phone +4599403451. You will also find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)