PhD student position in Humanoid Locomanipulation

Do you want to be a part of the on-going revolution in the field of humanoid robotics and their successful deployment in industry? The aim of this PhD position is to develop algorithms for bi-manual manipulation as well as locomanipulation tasks using mobile robots with humanoid form factor. The research of the PhD student will touch upon various topics multi-body dynamics, optimal control theory, machine learning and robotics & artificial intelligence in general. The focus is broadly upon the development of numerically stable and efficient computational algorithms, their implementation and testing with computer programs, both in simulation as well as real robotic systems. The PhD position is funded by Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) and the PhD student is expected to take part in activities organized in the context of WASP graduate school.

Information about the department, the division and WASP
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2) consists of seven research divisions within the areas of mechanical engineering and maritime sciences: Dynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Vehicle Safety, Vehicle Engineering & Autonomous Systems, Combustion and Propulsion Systems, Marine Technology and Maritime Studies. The seven divisions conduct fundamental and applied research in close collaboration with national and international universities, research centers and industries.

The Division of Dynamics, where the PhD student will be situated, has its research activities organized through four major research groups: Mechanical systems, Structural dynamics, Wave propagation and Railway mechanics. You will be joining an emerging research lab led by Dr. Shivesh Kumar and will have the opportunity to contribute to a new focus on legged robotics and athletic intelligence research within the division. The teaching activities of the Division of Dynamics are very broad, from several courses at bachelor level on mechanics and solid mechanics to masters' level courses such as finite element methods, rigid body dynamics, structural dynamics, and structural dynamics control. The aim of the Division is to be world-class in both teaching and research with a mixture of theoretical and applied activities. 

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden's largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems.

The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry.

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to provide the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD-students, researchers and industry.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. This includes developing scientific concepts and communicating research results verbally and in writing to the scientific community. The position is a full-time temporary employment with a time limited to 5 years, including teaching or other departmental duties corresponding to 20% of working hours. You will be employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
Masters of Science degree in Robotics & AI or classical majors such as Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering/Computer Science with a specialization in themes such as robotics, systems & control engineering, mechatronics etc.

Required Skillset:
1. Analytical understanding of Multi-Body Dynamics and Optimal Control Theory
2. Strong programming skills in C++/Python/MATLAB
3. Experience with algorithms for robot dynamics and control
4. Familiarity with Machine Learning and AI methods
5. Excellent communication and writing skills in English

Nice to have:
1. Courses in Advanced Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus, Non-Linear optimization, Analytical Mechanics, Hybrid Dynamical Systems, Differential Geometry
2. Experience with legged robots such as quadrupeds or humanoid robots
3. Motion planning and control algorithms for robot manipulation and locomotion
4. Experience with robot operating systems such as ROS, Orocos, RoCK etc.
5. Familiarity with version control systems such as GitHub, Gitlab, SVN etc.
6. Typesetting in Latex, vector graphics editing software such as Inkscape
7. Experience with scientific writing. Prior publication experience at top robotics conferences/journals is considered as a advantage.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240374 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-08-18

For questions, please contact:
Dr Shivesh Kumar, Division of Dynamics,
shivesh.kumar@chalmers.se, +46 31 7722295

Dr Petri Piiroinen, Division of Dynamics,
petri.piiroinen@chalmers.se,+46 31 7721340

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.