Research & Development Specialist in AI & Robotics

About the SnT

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.

Join the defence research project "Autonomous Guided Vehicle Multi-role Defence Platform" (AGVMDP) in collaboration with the company Luxbotix. This project aims to design, build, and validate a 2-ton, fully electric, solar-powered Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV) for European defence applications, including autonomous logistics, casualty evacuation (MedEvac), counter-UAS, EOD/demining, and distributed ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance).

The AGV will operate in GNSS-denied and electronically contested environments, leveraging Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR, radar, cameras, IMU), semantic SLAM, and EW-resilient mission planning. The platform will feature modular payload interfaces, energy autonomy via solar power, and explainable AI for operator trust and compliance with defence standards.

Your role

As an RDS at the Ubiquitous and Intelligent Systems (UBIX) Research Group, you will assist a senior researcher in developing prototypes and conducting experiments in collaboration with Luxbotix engineers to transition research into operational systems.

Core Research & Development:

• Develop semantic perception modules using VLMs/VLA models, e.g., RobustVLA, ReinboT, OpenDriveVLA) to classify terrain, obstacles, and mission-relevant objects in real time
• Implement GNSS-free localisation systems leveraging semantic map-matching, visual odometry, and pre-loaded satellite imagery for loop closure and pose estimation
• Implement multi-sensor fusion pipelines (LiDAR-radar-camera-IMU) for SLAM and environmental awareness in GNSS-denied conditions
• Adapt hierarchical mission planners to decompose high-level defence missions into executable, EW-resilient tasks
• Optimize algorithms for embedded deployment (ROS II, Python/C++) on the AGV's onboard computers, balancing computational efficiency and robustness

Collaboration & Validation:

• Work with Luxbotix to integrate autonomy software into prototype AGVs, ensuring seamless hardware-software interaction
• Validate systems through simulation, controlled lab tests, and field trials, including EW jamming campaigns
• Contribute to documentation, safety cases, and test reports for defence stakeholders: Luxembourg MoD, NATO, EDA
• Support mission equipment integration; e.g., MedEvac stretchers, EOD tools, counter-UAS sensors, and operational scenario testing

Your profile

• Master degree in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or a related field (completed)
• Background in one or more of the following:
• Vision-Language Models (VLMs) or Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models for autonomous systems
• Multi-sensor fusion, e.g. LiDAR, radar, cameras, IMU, and SLAM, e.g., ORB-SLAM, LIO-SAM
• Semantic perception: object detection, segmentation, scene understanding
• GNSS-denied navigation: visual odometry, map-matching, terrain-based localisation
• Mission planning for autonomous robots: hierarchical task networks, re-planning under uncertainty
• Proficiency in Python/C++ and experience with ROS
• Experience with deep learning frameworks: PyTorch, TensorFlow) and LLMs/VLMs

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1) are required

IMPORTANT NOTE, PLEASE READ: Due to the specific requirements for this position and due to the constraints of the project, please note that we are only able to consider applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, or NATO nations, or NATO Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, Japan, Rep South Korea, New Zealand), and Ukraine.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Research and development specialist
• Job Reference: UOL08419

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