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 play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.?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.

Your role

The candidate will lead projects in Robotic Manipulation for Space Robotics, support PhD research, and collaborate with Prof. Olivares-Mendez, Dr. Martinez, and the SpaceR group (www.spacer.lu). SpaceR offers a dynamic team of 23+ members and cutting-edge labs, including LunaLab, Zero-G Lab, and the new Robotic Manipulation Lab. More details: wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/spacer and www.spacer.lu.

The candidate will lead development activities in the Zero-G Lab and should undertake her/his research on utilising the two UR10e robotic arms installed in the Zero-G Lab to emulate orbital scenarios in 6DOFs for proximity operations and the new robotics-arms research facility to be equipped with 2x UR3, 2xUR6, 2, 1x Kinova Gen2, 1xFranka and 2xKinova Gen3. In addition, the candidate is expected to make significant contributions to the collaboration and V&V mission campaigns with our industrial partners, Infinite Orbits and RedWire, as well as to the in-space operation, assembly, and manufacturing activities of the SpaceR team.

The candidate will contribute to Ice2Thrust.space, an EIC Pathfinder project with TU Munich, Endurosat, and Tech-Tour. The project advances autonomous spacecraft docking, propellant refilling, and in-orbit servicing while exploring water extraction for a circular space economy. SpaceR is developing an RL algorithm for satellite rendezvous, docking, and liquid transfer, with tests conducted in the Zero-G Lab.

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 facility, including collaboration with commercial partners. Setting up and configuring robotic arms to emulate different on-orbit scenarios and performing software and hardware integration.
• Mentor and Advise PhD students within the research group.
• 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 (top 10%) journals and collaborating with fellow postdocs on high-quality publications.

For further information, please contact us at miguel.olivaresmendez@uni.lu or carol.martinezluna@uni.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications, written in English, should be submitted online and should include:

• Full CV, including list of publications and name (and email address, etc.) of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Short motivation letter

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by 31st August ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07170

Your profile

• PhD in Robotics, 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, etc)
• Proven track record in relevant conferences and journals: At least three publications in top-tier venues: IROS, ICRA, RSS, R-AL, TRO, TFR, etc
• 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, etc
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence and deep learning concepts for robotics and process automation.
• Experience with robotic simulation tools (e.g., ROS, Gazebo, Mujoco, IsaacSim-Gym-Lab)
• Programming skills in C++, Python, and ROS framework