Postdoctoral Position in Participatory Design of Autonomous Drone Systems and Human-AI Collaboration (HCC)

Postdoctoral Position in Participatory Design of Autonomous Drone Systems and Human-AI Collaboration

The Human-Centered Computing Group at Aalborg University (AAU) is seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to pioneer the future of autonomous drone systems for search and rescue (SAR) and for critical infrastructure security.

The postdoctoral position will be affiliated with Computer Science at Aalborg University (AAU) in Aalborg. This full-time position offers 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 position is open for appointment as of August 1st 2026 or soon hereafter. The position is a 12-24 months role located in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg Universitys Technical Faculty for IT and Design.

Your work tasks:

Computer Science Aalborg is seeking to fill a postdoctoral role contributing to pioneering research in autonomous drone systems.

The postdoctoral position at Aalborg University on the NAMUR project is focused on designing creating and evaluating 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.

This position involves close collaboration with researchers in the PERSIST project which centers on designing LLM-powered interactive systems for persistent drone operations at critical infrastructure. Researchers will conduct participatory studies with plant operators to design a map-centric dashboard enhanced with LLM-driven voice and chat features. This 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 with a focus on participatory design and natural-language control. We welcome candidates from an HCI/design background who is confident in leading participatory research with end-users to develop and validate LLM-assisted interfaces for critical infrastructure monitoring.

Beyond technical skills we value proactive collaborative team players with excellent communication skills for engaging with academic and industry partners. A drivers license is required and candidates may undergo a security check by the relevant authorities.

Qualification requirements
Appointmentaspostdoc 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 (masters 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. Youmay attach a maximum of five publications.
• 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 Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys 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).

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 3700 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.