Position Overview

A fully funded PhD position is open at the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney! The topic is on geometric techniques in the estimation and control of aerial robotic systems and will be supervised by Dr Pieter van Goor.

Aerial robotic system hardware has become increasingly capable of high precision tasks involving interaction with their environment, including delivery, maintenance, and (physical) inspection. However, outside of laboratory environments, many of these tasks require human control or intervention due to the sensitivity of automatic control algorithms to the accuracy of on-board measurements.

The aim of this project is to develop new estimation and control algorithms that are faster and more robust than the state of the art, and that can unlock the hardware’s full capability in real-world outdoor environments. Emerging theoretical techniques that exploit the mathematical symmetry of aerial robot dynamics provide a solution, but they are yet to be implemented in real-world systems. Depending on the candidate’s skills and interests, there are opportunities to explore:

  • Hardware implementations and testing of new control and estimation algorithms.
  • Theoretical development of symmetry-based approaches.
  • High-speed estimation using novel sensors (e.g. cameras, LIDAR, UWB range, etc.).

The Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) is a part of the School of Aerospace, Mechanical, and Mechatronics Engineering (AMME). The ACFR offers specialised labs and facilities, robotic platforms, and robotic field labs on-campus and in nearby off-campus sites. You will have access to mechanical and electronics workshops and a pool of technical staff to help realise your research ambitions. The University of Sydney offers a rich academic setting in a world class city, and the ACFR has strong ties to a network of nearby and international academic and industrial collaborators.

Desirable Qualities in a Candidate

  • Bachelor’s degree with honours or master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or evidence that a relevant degree will be obtained within the next six months.
  • Interest in robotics and control.
  • Strong background in mathematics and programming.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Hands-on experience with (aerial) robotic platforms, ROS, Python, C++.
  • Creativity, curiosity, rigour and passion.

How to Apply

Your application must include

  • A cover letter (at most 1 page in length) stating your prior experience and research interest in relation to the topic of geometric methods for aerial robotics.
  • A curriculum vitae with three references and a GPA.
  • A transcript of bachelor’s and master’s degree grades (if applicable).

Please send an email to pieter.vangoor@sydney.edu.au with the title [Aerial Robotics PhD Application] to submit your application or if you would like further information. The deadline for applications is Sunday 29 March 2026.