PhD in Inspection and Repair Robotics: The University of Malaga, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), invites applications for a funded PhD position focused on autonomous in-orbit inspection and repair of space infrastructure. This opportunity is part of the ECHO2 project, aimed at developing next-generation perception-driven robotic systems for in-orbit servicing.
PhD in Autonomous In-Orbit Inspection and Repair Robotics
Designation
PhD Candidate in Autonomous In-Orbit Inspection and Repair Robotics
Research Area
- Robotics
- Control Systems
- Computer Vision
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Location
University of Malaga, Spain (with a 6-month research stay at ESA/ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands)
Eligibility/Qualification
- MSc degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
- Strong academic background in robotics, control, and computer vision/AI/ML.
- Proven programming expertise in Python and C++, with hands-on experience in ROS/ROS2.
- Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and 3D perception libraries.
- Experience in robotic manipulation, motion planning, and experimental validation.
- A track record of publications, internships, or relevant projects.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
- Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of Spanish is recommended.
Job Description
The PhD candidate will contribute to:
- Research and development of a markerless, end-to-end pipeline for robotic inspection and servicing.
- Integrating multi-modal vision, learning-based methods, and perception-aware motion planning for effective manipulation in dynamic environments.
- Validating developed methods through simulations and hardware tests.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by sending a single PDF to srl@uma.es. The application must include:
- CV (including academic record and publications)
- Cover letter outlining motivation, fit for the position, and proof of experience (projects, publications, repositories, etc.)
- Transcripts of MSc and BSc degrees
- Contact details of two referees
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be reviewed starting in October 2025, with the PhD position expected to commence by January 2026.
