One or more PhD stipends in Speed-optimized USVs with Underwater Capabilities for Robust Guidance and Offshore Exploration

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a PhD stipend position is available within the general study programme. The position is offered in relation to the research group Underwater Technology, and the PhD student will be positioned in the Esbjerg Energy section.
The position is part of the internally funded research project SURGE: Speed-optimized USVs for Robust Guidance and Offshore Exploration, and is open for appointment from November 1st 2026. The duration of the position is three years.

The SURGE project addresses the growing need for fast, robust and autonomous unmanned surface vehicles for offshore inspection, surveillance and exploration. The project focuses on the development of high-speed USV technologies that can operate reliably in challenging marine environments and support future offshore missions involving infrastructure monitoring, rapid response, environmental observation and maritime situational awareness.

The project will investigate how propulsion systems, vessel dynamics, control algorithms and sensor integration can be designed as a coherent system to improve speed, range, maneuverability, response time and operational robustness while also having underwater capabilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-speed USV operation in realistic marine conditions, where propulsion, control and sensing are strongly coupled.

PhD Focus Area: Propulsion, Control and Sensor Integration for High-Speed USVs
This PhD project focuses on the development and validation of propulsion, control and sensor-integration methods for high-speed unmanned surface vehicles. The overall goal is to enable fast, efficient and robust autonomous USV operation in challenging offshore environments.

High-speed USVs require a close interaction between propulsion design, hull dynamics, control-system performance and onboard sensing. A propulsion system optimized only for thrust or maximum speed may not provide the best platform for robust guidance, trajectory tracking, obstacle avoidance or energy-efficient mission execution. Similarly, advanced control algorithms depend on reliable sensor integration and accurate dynamic models of the vehicle and propulsion system.

The PhD project will therefore investigate the co-design of propulsion architecture, control strategies and sensor systems for high-speed USVs. The research will contribute to the development of a new generation of autonomous surface platforms capable of rapid deployment, efficient offshore operation and robust guidance under environmental disturbances such as waves, wind and currents.

Key research tasks could include:

• Propulsion system design and modelling: Investigating and comparing propulsion concepts suitable for high-speed USVs, including waterjets, conventional propellers, ducted propellers, surface-piercing propellers or other relevant marine propulsion configurations. The candidate will model and evaluate propulsion performance with respect to thrust, acceleration, maneuverability, propulsive efficiency, energy consumption, range, cavitation, noise and operational robustness.
• Vehicle dynamics and high-speed control: Developing dynamic models and control strategies for high-speed USV operation. This may include trajectory tracking, heading control, speed control, path following, disturbance rejection, adaptive control and control allocation for different propulsion layouts. The work will address the challenges of operating at high speed in the presence of waves, currents, wind, payload changes and rapidly changing maneuvering conditions.
• Sensor integration and robust guidance: Identifying and integrating relevant sensor systems for reliable high-speed autonomous operation, such as GNSS/RTK, IMU, radar, lidar, cameras, sonar, motor feedback, propulsion diagnostics and communication systems. The candidate will investigate how sensor data can be fused to improve navigation, obstacle awareness, vehicle state estimation, guidance and mission reliability.
• Propulsion-control co-design: Studying the coupling between propulsion architecture and control performance. The candidate will explore how propulsion layout, actuator dynamics, thrust response, hull form and sensor feedback affect maneuverability, stability, energy use and mission execution. The aim is to develop design guidelines for high-speed USVs where propulsion and control are treated as an integrated system rather than separate subsystems.
• Digital twin simulations: Developing a simulation or digital twin environment to test propulsion, control and sensor-integration strategies under repeatable and safe conditions before field deployment. The digital twin will be used to model the USV, propulsion system, environmental disturbances, sensor behavior and relevant offshore mission scenarios.
• Experimental and field validation: Conducting experimental validation in harbor, coastal or offshore test environments. The candidate will contribute to test planning, sensor calibration, data collection, control tuning and post-processing of field data. Performance metrics may include speed, acceleration, energy consumption, range, control accuracy, maneuverability, robustness, sensor reliability and mission success rate.

Qualifications and Skills
Applicants should have a strong academic background and hold a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering field, such as marine engineering, mechanical engineering, control engineering, robotics, automation, naval architecture, mechatronics, electrical engineering or similar.
The ideal candidate will have skills such as:

• Marine systems and propulsion: Knowledge of marine propulsion, hydrodynamics, ship dynamics, naval architecture or high-speed craft design. Experience with propellers, waterjets, thrusters, marine power systems, propulsion modelling or experimental marine platforms is highly valued.
• Control and dynamic systems: A solid understanding of control theory, dynamic modelling and autonomous systems. Experience with trajectory tracking, path following, model-based control, state estimation, adaptive control or control allocation will be an advantage.
• Sensor integration and navigation: Knowledge of integrating sensors such as GNSS, IMU, radar, lidar, cameras, sonar or other maritime sensing technologies. Experience with sensor fusion, navigation systems, guidance algorithms or real-time data processing is advantageous.
• Technical computing skills: Strong programming and modelling skills, for example in Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, Gazebo or other simulation and robotics frameworks. Experience with CAD/CAE, CFD, digital twins, embedded systems or experimental data analysis is an asset.
• Experimental and fieldwork experience: Previous experience with marine platforms, mobile robots, experimental testing, prototype development or field trials is considered an advantage. The candidate should be comfortable working with practical engineering systems in real-world environments.
• Soft skills: Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral. The candidate should be motivated, proactive and able to work independently as well as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

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
Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare, and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services, and knowledge collaboration. AAU educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community.

AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is located in Esbjerg.

The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world.

Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent.

How to apply

As part of your application, you must submit a 1–2 page project description outlining your envisioned approach to this PhD project. In this document, please describe the state-of-the-art related to collaborative control/localization, identify key research gaps, and propose your initial ideas for tackling the project’s objectives, including a tentative work plan/timeline. This helps us evaluate your understanding of the topic and your innovative thinking.

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae with information on your education, technical skills, and any research or work experience (include publications if any).
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
• Short project description (1–2 pages as described above, in PDF format).
• Any additional relevant documents, such as reference letters or English proficiency proof (if applicable).

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
When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary
and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an
additional 18,07% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated
based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the
main salary.
Read more about pension options here.

At Aalborg University's Doctoral School, engineering PhD students enjoy unique career
development opportunities. These include personalized DISC profile assessments with feedback,
career-focused courses, and networking events with trade unions, employers, and other relevant
parties. Learn more about these initiatives at our Career Hub.

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).

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) (in Danish)

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

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg 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.

Contacts

• Malte von Benzon: +4599409669, [email protected]
• Mikkel Lønsman Hukiær: [email protected]

Ansøgningsfrist
20-07-2026

Ref. nummer
2026/909

Afdeling
Department of Energy