PostDoc Position in Robust AI-based Guidance and Navigation for Drone Swarms

ENAC's Dynamic Systems Research Axis is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to join the ambitious PercepDrone project, dedicated to developing perception-aware, robust guidance and navigation frameworks for drone swarms operating in challenging environments.

This position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced researcher to shape next-generation swarm autonomy while collaborating across two complementary research projects.

Project Summary:

PercepDrone aims to build an advanced AI framework enabling collaborative perception and robust navigation for drone swarms. Using visual–LiDAR multimodal fusion, geometric learning, and neural ODE–based models, the project develops mechanisms for:

• Obstacle recognition and depth estimation in adverse conditions (fog, snow, low illumination, etc.)

• Collaborative inference across drones using temporal and spatial correlations

• Perception-aware swarm guidance and navigation

• Integration and empirical validation through drone-based experiments

You will work in close collaboration with an existing PhD student and postdoctoral researcher specializing in HMI/HCI.

Responsibilities:

As the new Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

·        Lead research on swarm guidance and navigation, familiarity with vector based guidance methods is a plus.

·        Supervise and mentor PhD students working on guidance, navigation, and multi-agent coordination.

·        Contribute to the integration of perception-aware guidance algorithms into real-world drone platforms.

·        Assist in experimental validation of perception-aware guidance algorithms.

·        Present and publish results in scientific conferences and journals.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher who can operate autonomously while thriving in interdisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has:

Required Qualifications:

·        PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, AI for Robotics, or a related field.

·        Strong expertise in swarm guidance, ideally with vector-based or geometry-inspired methods.

·        Demonstrated experience with multi-agent or swarm robotic systems.

·        Ability to supervise and guide PhD students.

·        Solid understanding of navigation, collision avoidance, and autonomous multi-drone coordination.

·        Excellent communication skills and ability to work across multiple teams.

·        Strong research skills, with a track record of publishing in high-quality venues.

·        Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Desired Skills:

·        Experience with drone flight tests or experimental UAV campaigns.

·        Interest in human–swarm interaction, VR-assisted supervision, or human-centred system design.

·        Familiarity with Python, C++ software environments for robotics.

·        Willingness to engage with two complementary research teams and act as a scientific bridge.

🏢 Research Environment:

Join our innovative research team at ENAC, renowned for national and international projects including VOLTIGE, SKYSCANNER, NEPHELAE, PANTHEON, PANACHE, FIREFLIES, and ATLAS. Benefit from exceptional facilities and expertise:

·        🎪 A large indoor flight arena (10x10x10 meters) with an OptiTrack motion capture system.

·        🌳 Dedicated outdoor flight facility at Muret, near Toulouse.

·        📡 In-house developed Paparazzi open-source autopilot system.

We tackle significant practical and theoretical challenges in UAS technology, airspace management, and multi-agent autonomous systems.

Application Process:

The application should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a list of publications/projects (if there are any…), and the name and contact information of at least one reference. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interview and discussion.