PhD Position Neuromorphic Vision for Insect-Inspired Path Integration and Obstacle Avoidance Delft • TU Delft

Vacature in het kort

Volledige vacaturetekst

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.

The candidate will be guided by dr. C. De Wagter and prof. dr. G.C.H.E. de Croon at the Micro Air Vehicle laboratory (MAVLab), which is part of the Control and Operations department of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. They will have access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities needed to conduct their research. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers from within the laboratory, as well as on an international level.    

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
  
  

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! 

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. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

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.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Guido de Croon, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Application procedure
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.)

You can address your application to Guido de Croon.

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 the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services