PhD Position in Software Engineering & Robotics (Fall 2025 Start)
About the InnoGuard Project (https://www.innoguard.eu/index.html):
This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity sits at the nexus of software engineering, MLOps, robotics, and AI-enabled cyber-physical systems (AI-CPS). The research will focus on enhancing the adaptability and autonomy of UAVs operating in complex environments. Key themes include AI/ML integration into CPS, continuous deployment pipelines, and robust experimental design for MLOps frameworks.
Start Date and Duration
- Target start: Fall 2025 (Target possible September 2025)
- Duration: Typically 4 years (based on the Swiss PhD system)
Important Notes:
The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years).
Tasks
Your Role
You will:
You will:
- Conduct advanced research on MLOps for AI-CPS, including UAV systems.
- Develop and prototype MLOps solutions tailored to real-world CPS challenges.
- Design and implement experimental testbeds to evaluate AI-CPS.
- Collaborate across institutions and disciplines to integrate research into deployable software.
- Publish results in top-tier venues in Software Engineering, Robotics, and Systems.
Requirements
Candidate Profile
We are seeking motivated PhD candidates with the following qualifications:
Education:
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or closely related fields
Core Skills required:
Important Notes:
The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years).
We are seeking motivated PhD candidates with the following qualifications:
Education:
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or closely related fields
Core Skills required:
- Strong programming proficiency (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar languages).
- Solid understanding of software engineering principles and toolchains.
- Experience or strong interest in MLOps, DevOps, or data engineering.
- Familiarity with robotics, UAV systems, or virtual reality technologies is a strong plus.
- Excellent communication and writing skills; fluency in English is required.
- Ability to work both independently and within collaborative, cross-institutional teams.
Important Notes:
The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years).
We offer
What We Offer:
- Participation in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team with strong academic and industrial ties.
- Mentorship from leading experts in software engineering, AI, and robotics.
- Access to state-of-the-art robotic platforms, simulation environments, and DevOps infrastructure.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.
This PhD position offers a unique chance to shape the future of autonomous systems through cutting-edge software and AI research in a highly collaborative academic environment.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following documents to Dr. Sebastiano Panichella (sebastiano.panichella@unibe.ch):
Please submit the following documents to Dr. Sebastiano Panichella (sebastiano.panichella@unibe.ch):
- CV and cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Links to code repositories or relevant publications (if available)
- Contact details for 2–3 referees familiar with your research and programming capabilities
