Postdoctoral Positions in Autonomous Drone Systems and Human-AI Collaboration
The Human-Centered Computing Group at Aalborg University (AAU) and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) are seeking three talented postdoctoral researchers to pioneer the future of autonomous drone systems for search and rescue (SAR) and for critical infrastructure security.
Two of the postdoctoral positions will be affiliated with Computer Science at Aalborg University (AAU) in Aalborg, and the third will be affiliated with the Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). These full-time positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research in drones, AI, and human-computer interaction.
Successful candidates will join a dynamic and inspiring international research environment, in relation to two externally funded projects: ‘Natural-language Assisted Human-Multirobot Interaction and Planning’ (NAMUR) (DFF-Independent Research Fund Denmark) and ‘PERSIST: Persistent Drone Operations at Critical Infrastructure’ (DIREC – Digital Research Center Denmark). These projects address significant societal challenges in SAR and critical infrastructure security, in close collaboration with leading industry partners.
The desired start date for all positions can be as early as November 2025, and must start by January 1, 2026 latest. The appointments may be 1-3 years in duration.
Your work tasks
Computer Science, Aalborg are seeking to fill two distinct postdoctoral roles, each contributing to pioneering research in autonomous drone systems.
Postdoc 1
The three-year postdoctoral position at Aalborg University on the NAMUR project is focused on creating intuitive systems for controlling multiple robots with natural language. The successful candidate will develop and test novel user interfaces that integrate state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) with novel logic-based multi-robot planning algorithms. This work will be evaluated through simulations and with physical drones in mock search-and-rescue missions. This position will involve close collaboration with the PhD student at SDU who is developing technical building blocks that can support the research. A key feature of this position is a three-month research stay at Virginia Tech for international collaboration.
Postdoc 2
At Aalborg University, a two-year postdoctoral position on the PERSIST project centers on designing LLM-powered interactive systems for persistent drone operations at critical infrastructure. The researcher will conduct participatory studies with plant operators to design a map-centric dashboard enhanced with LLM-driven voice and chat features. This role involves engaging with fundamental research questions at the intersection of HCI, UI/UX design, and generative AI. Activities may include leading design and usability studies, engaging end-user stakeholders, and validating mission templates for tasks such as inspections and security patrols at biomass power plants.
Your Competencies
We seek highly motivated researchers with a PhD in computer science, engineering, robotics, or a related field, evidenced by a strong publication record. Candidates should possess experience in robotics, drones, UAVs, multi-robot systems or smiliar, and practical applications of LLMs, agents, RAG, MCP, or fine-tuning. Proficiency in software development (Python, C/C++), skills in data analysis, and scientific writing is essential.
While all roles require a strong foundation in AI, each has specific technical requirements:
The NAMUR position at Aalborg University requires deep expertise in human-computer interaction (HCI) and user interface design for complex systems, focusing on participatory design and natural language control.
The PERSIST position at Aalborg University calls for experience in human-robot interaction, particularly in leading participatory research with end-users to develop and validate LLM-assisted interfaces for critical infrastructure monitoring.
The PERSIST position at the University of Southern Denmark needs strong competencies in AI and multi-robot planning, drones, and/or autonomous systems.
Beyond technical skills, we value proactive, collaborative team players with excellent communication skills for engaging with academic and industry partners. A driver’s license is required, and candidates may undergo a security check by relevant authorities.
Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
- List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications.
- Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
- Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
- Additional qualifications in relation to the position
- References/recommendations
You can read more about the requirements for your application here.
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 appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.
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.
Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the worldAalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.
Type of employment: permanent position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 2 | Full-time equivalent: 37 | City: Aalborg | County: Nordjylland | Country: Denmark | Reference number: 2025/365 | Contact: Associate Professor Timothy Merritt , HR Support +4599403031, | Published: 2025-08-22 | Last application date: 2025-09-07