PhD Position Underwater Robotics for Marine Biodiversity Monitoring

Are you passionate about the marine environment and eager to develop innovative approaches for monitoring biodiversity through the use of marine robotics?

We offer a PhD position within the Reefwatchers project, which aims to deliver science-based knowledge and tools to advance the monitoring of marine ecosystem biodiversity and quality.

Job description

The PhD candidate will work on robot mission planning dedicated to biodiversity monitoring at artificial and biogenic reefs. The candidate will also contribute to the development of a simulation environment that aligns with real-world testing conditions.

A central aspect of the research involves developing intelligent path planning strategies for individual underwater robots. The candidate will design and implement algorithms that optimize multiple objectives, while incorporating advanced navigation techniques to enhance robustness and operational reliability. Close collaboration with industry partners will ensure practical relevance and real-world applicability. The methods will be tested with underwater robots in collaboration with industrial partners.

In later stages, the research will extend to multi-robot systems, focusing on task allocation, coordination, and monitoring under communication constraints typical of underwater environments. The project will result in innovative planning methods for both single and multi-robot operations, validated through simulations and field experiments with partners, and tailored to the needs of biodiversity monitoring applications.

The PhD will have close collaboration with other research disciplines in the project, including biology, ecology and business management. Those disciplines are contributed by Wageningen University and Research and by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).

Biodiversity loss is a global problem that threatens our ecosystem. In practice it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of restoration measures, making such activities hard to assess. Therefore, this research investigates the information needs to better support decision-making regarding nature restoration activities. It does so by enhancing the use of robots to accelerate and automate the data collection process, ultimately aiming to lower the costs of data collection and/or increase the spatial dimension along which monitoring activities can take place. This will be developed and tested in simulation environments as well as applied directly in field conditions, for example for various oyster reef restoration projects inshore and nearshore in the Netherlands.

Job requirements

You are a motivated and creative researcher with a strong drive to pursue a PhD. You work effectively both independently and in interdisciplinary teams, think critically and demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills. You are flexible and willing to travel for fieldwork and collaboration across locations.

You also have:

• A completed, or close to completion, MSc degree in mechanical engineering, maritime engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a related field with demonstrated experience in robotics and path planning.
• A strong interest in underwater robotics and their use for monitoring in marine and coastal areas.
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken.
• Interest in science communication and interdisciplinary collaboration is an asset.

The following are highly valued, but not required:

• Experience with path planning and the use of robotics in an open and outdoor environment.
• A driving license and willingness to conduct fieldwork at sea and complete safety-at-sea training.
• Interest in the environmental impacts of human activities on the marine environment, and in supporting nature restoration efforts.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the Mechanical Engineering faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and mechanical systems.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract includes an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months. This is followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.