Postdoctoral researcher in Robotics Manipulation

Postdoctoral researcher in Robotics Manipulation

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Duration: 24 Month

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust ( SnT ) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as:
Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

The successful candidate is expected to assume a leading role in defining, acquiring, managing, and scientifically contributing to projects in Robotic Manipulation for Space Robotics. The candidate will carry a leading role in this area and support PhD candidates in their thesis research. The candidate will work closely with Prof. Carol Martinez, Prof. Olivares-Mendez, and the members of the Space Robotics (Space

R) research group ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

The group works across the entire spectrum of space robotics research and applied research to conceive and demonstrate future orbital and planetary space robotics paradigms on in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, space debris removal, XR immersive teleoperation, robot multi-modal perception (vision and tactile), and multi-robot cooperation. Researchers with an interest in non-terrestrial robotic manipulation will find a young and vibrant team of over 23 members fostering a collaborative atmosphere (2 Professors, 4 Post Docs/RA, 15 PhD students, 1 Research assistant).

Space

R’s state-of-the-art facilities include two physical laboratories, the Luna Lab and Zero-G Lab, and a new Space Manipulation Lab – dedicated environments for researchers to test their results on advanced equipment. For further information, you may check: and .lu

The candidate should develop the following tasks:

• Conduct cutting-edge research in learning-based and/or model-based control and/or perception strategies for dexterous robotic manipulation in simulated and real robots
• Support laboratory activities and experiments in the ZeroG Lab, the Luna Lab, and the Space Manipulation Lab including collaboration with commercial partners, setting up robotic arms and performing software and hardware integration
• Mentor and Advise PhD thesis within the research group. Current topics include, reinforcement learning for tactile-aware manipulation skills, tactile sensing, mechanical intelligence for grasping, and multi-modal sensing for robotic manipulation
• Contribute to and/or lead the development of research proposals
• Take the lead in drafting, reviewing, and submitting project deliverables
• Support and contribute to teaching activities, particularly within the Master’s course Robotic Manipulation in Space
• Drive high-impact research dissemination by leading first-author submissions to top-tier journals and collaborating with fellow postdocs on high-quality publications

• PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, with a focus on Robotic Manipulation
• Experience setting up and operating ROS-compatible robotic manipulation: systems robotic arms, cameras, F/T sensors, sensor calibration
• Proven track record in relevant conferences and journals:
  At least three publications in top-tier venues: IROS, ICRA, RSS, R-AL, TRO, TFR
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory
• Commitment, teamwork and a critical mind

The ideal candidate should have experience in some of the following topics:

• Experience with control methods: impedance/admittance, force control
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence and deep learning concepts for robotics computer vision, tactile sensing, reinforcement learning
• Experience with robotic simulation tools e.g., ROS, Gazebo, Mujoco, Isaac Sim-Gym-Lab
• Programming skills in C++, Python,…