PhD Position in Data-Driven Mathematical Methods for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

As part of the Blue Mathematics activities at Aalborg Universities sponsored by Orient’s Fond, one PhD stipend is available at the Department of Mathematical Sciences - Aalborg University. The stipend is open for appointment from January 1st 2027 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

Your work tasks
The project will focus on the development of probabilistic and data-driven methods for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV’s). The work builds on a strong foundation in time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification, with applications in underwater robotics and maritime technology.

A central part of the project is the development of interpretable probabilistic models for changes in vehicle behaviour and operational regimes under varying environmental conditions, including short-horizon forecasting. The work involves trajectory, navigation, control, and sensor data from underwater robotic platforms, including AUVs and remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s), and connects the statistical methodology with underwater localization, subsea sensing, vehicle dynamics, and autonomous systems.

The position is highly interdisciplinary and combines mathematical and statistical modelling with sensing technologies, underwater engineering, and autonomous maritime systems, with the overall aim of improving the reliability and robustness of autonomous underwater operations.

During the PhD studies, you will also be expected to perform teaching tasks – e.g. lecturing or project supervision – at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Your competencies 
Based on the research tasks tied to the position, we seek a candidate who has a strong background in  time-series modelling, stochastic processes, statistical learning, and uncertainty quantification, having in mind applications in underwater robotics and maritime technology. A documented previous history of collaboration with engineers is a plus.

The candidate should be able to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English. As part of the position, you are expected to participate in workshops and conferences to present your results to fellow researchers and build up an international network. Furthermore, you should be willing to complete a stay abroad once during the PhD studies in order to strengthen your profile as a researcher.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are    
The PhD position will be hosted at the Department of Mathematical Sciences under the supervision of Associate Professor J. Eduardo Vera-Valdés. Some of the activities will be done in collaboration with the Underwater Technology research group with Esbjerg Energy Section.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades) 
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). 

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.