Job description
Autonomous robots promise to transform our economy and society, thanks to the quick progress in artificial intelligence. However, state-of-the-art AI requires computing devices that are too heavy and energy-consuming. This makes robots heavy and dangerous, and hence unsuitable for many applications.
In the NWO VICI project "Neuromorphic Learning for Advanced Insect-inspired Artificial Intelligence (NL-AI2)", we will develop a neuromorphic AI that is extremely efficient, as it mimics the sparse and asynchronous processing of the brain. To best demonstrate this technology's efficiency, the AI will be modelled after insect intelligence and instilled on a resource-restricted drone. This will unlock innumerable new applications and even provides opportunities to learn about nature itself!
Within the project, a PhD position is now available on "Neuromorphic vision for insect-inspired path integration and obstacle avoidance". Insect navigation heavily relies on path integration, i.e., the integration of velocity estimates over time to determine the position with respect to a starting point. To this end, they likely combine forward models that take into account the effects of their intended actions and sensory feedback from various sensor modalities such as vision. The topic of the PhD is to develop neuromorphic vision algorithms that process (1) events from a neuromorphic camera to estimate ego-motion and depth, and (2) polarization images to estimate the position of the sun. We strive for the development of self-supervised learning algorithms that have the potential to run onboard of an autonomous drone. The research will involve the development of self-supervised learning algorithms for training spiking neural networks. Experiments will initially involve passively gathered data, but will eventually be performed onboard flying drones.
Job requirements
- An excellent degree in computer vision, artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, or a related subject at Masters level or equivalent
- Good programming skills in python and/or C++
- Fluency in English
- An independent scholar who wants to shape research in the field
- An interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research
Beneficial:
- Hands-on experience with robot or drone hardware
- Previous research experience
- Knowledge of drone autopilots and/or ROS
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.
Conditions of employment
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Coming to Delft Service is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
20 June 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:- CV
- Motivational letter (maximum 1 page)
- The names and contact details of two referees (position, professional addres and email)
- Copy of your master's degree (including transcripts)
- It is highly recommended to include samples of your work (reports, previous publications, video's, code, etc.)
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check