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  2. PhD position on multimodal information fusion in dynamic environments

PhD position on multimodal information fusion in dynamic environments

Imagine a swarm of drones equipped with all sorts of different sensors. They need to interact and coordinate but each drone is not aware of the complete picture. How do they share information? How is it combined? How can we infer the missing parts? In this research project, you will investigate the cutting edge of AI to enable a seamless information fusion across multiple moving sensors.

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    5 Jan 2025

The Pervasive Systems research group at the University of Twente is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to perform research and development on integrating heterogeneous information from multiple sources.

This research project focuses on the effective control and data integration of drone swarms: combining heterogeneous information from different sources in a meaningful way is a complicated task. Each information source may contribute differently to the overall picture, with variations in data types, sampling times, and resolutions. Despite these differences, a consistent and reliable result must be delivered to a human observer. When multiple drones explore an environment, they need to be controlled effectively as a group, and their sensed data must be combined regardless of each drone’s relative position in the swarm. Missing data must be inferred from past observations or by integrating other data sources.

This PhD project focuses, part of the large national STEADFAST project, and addresses two main challenges:

1. Information Fusion: Combining sensed data and state information from multiple drones in a consistent and resilient manner, even when faced with missing, mislabelled, or corrupted information.
2. Control Coordination: Managing the relative positions of drones within the swarm to ensure effective context awareness.

Your profile

  • You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
  • You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
  • You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
  • You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
  • You have good communication skills and you have a strong interest in operating at the crossroads of different disciplines
  • You are proficient in English.

Our offer

  • As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
  • The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year);
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
  • The flexibility to work (partially) from home;
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
  • We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 6, 2025, and include:

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Alex Chiumento via the following email address: a.chiumento@utwente.nl.

The first round of interviews will be planned within 2 weeks after the closing of the vacancy.

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About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Chiumento, A. (Alex)

Chiumento, A. (Alex)
Assistant Professor

Chiumento, A. (Alex)
Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Alex for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the faculty EEMCS

Curious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

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