Researchers / Senior Researchers – Drones & Autonomous Systems

The Drones and Autonomous Systems research group is one of eight research groups in NORCE’s Division of Technology and Digital Systems. The division has 113 permanent and temporary employees. The research group is based in Tromsø and works with both a national and international outlook, with significant activity in EU- and European funded projects. We build knowledge in close collaboration with industry and public-sector partners, focusing on solutions enabled by emerging technologies in autonomy and remote sensing. The group supports the digital transformation of business and society by delivering efficient, end-to-end solutions to real-world needs. Our research portfolio includes:

• Autonomous vehicles for air, land and maritime operations

• Sensors, distributed sensor networks and communications solutions

• Remote sensing from unmanned and manned airborne platforms

• Hyperspectral imaging and advanced airborne sensing systems

• Real-time onboard processing, visualization and interaction with sensor data

• Computer vision, autonomy and advanced analytics, including digital image processing and machine learning

• Signal analysis and radar technology

• Mapping and integrated observation systems using drones, aircraft and satellites

• Improving operational safety by developing new services and operating concepts for drone missions

This includes research into drone-enabled transport and inspection services, where higher levels of autonomy are combined with satellite remote sensing. We also develop smart sensors, apply machine learning and analyse large datasets to create innovative satellite- and drone-based solutions for climate, environment, transport, inspection and management serving both Norwegian stakeholders and international partners. The research group has a strong focus on Arctic operations, addressing fundamental challenges related to operating drone systems under extreme environmental conditions. We have extensive field experience from demanding polar environments, including UAV operations in the High North and near both the North Pole and the South Pole.

We currently have the following open positions:

Researcher / Senior Researcher – Cybernetics, Drones and Autonomous Systems

You will contribute to research and innovation within drones and autonomous systems, working across autonomy, remote sensing and advanced sensor platforms in close collaboration with industry and public-sector partners. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong mathematical and algorithmic skills, especially within real-time processing, navigation, control and perception. Practical experience with drones, robotics, embedded systems or sensor integration would be highly relevant.

• Autonomous navigation and control for robots and sensor systems, including IMU/INS, sensor fusion and time synchronization

• Control theory and assisted/autonomous flight control

• Real-time sensor processing and algorithm development

• Machine vision, radar, LiDAR and camera-based perception

• C++ programming for real-time systems

• In-depth knowledge of ArduPilot or PX4 autopilot software

• Simulation of complex systems in Gazebo, AirSim or similar tools

• Hardware integration, interfaces and practical engineering

Researcher / Senior Researcher – Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

We are looking for a colleague to strengthen our expertise and grow our project portfolio within hyperspectral remote sensing. In particular, you will help develop new initiatives in airborne hyperspectral remote sensing, including the use of sensors on our research aircraft LN-UAV. We are also investing in drone-based sensors and aim to build stronger collaboration with environments developing new multi- and hyperspectral sensors, both for established Earth observation satellites and microsatellites. In this role, you will develop knowledge and solutions requested by industry and public administration across both marine and terrestrial sectors.

• Hyperspectral imaging

• Ocean colour and marine processes

• Water quality and ocean colour

• Airborne and satellite remote sensing

• Machine learning, data analysis and presentation

• Vegetation mapping using multispectral sensors

• Atmospheric correction and adjacency effects

• Fieldwork and in situ measurements

Senior Researcher – Marine Acoustics

You will help strengthen NORCE’s expertise and project portfolio within marine acoustics. You will contribute to research and innovation with clear societal value, working in close dialogue with users and partners across industry, the public sector and the research community.

The position is particularly suited to an experienced and motivated senior researcher who combines strong domain expertise with the ability to build collaborations, develop new initiatives and lead projects from concept to implementation.

In this role, you will contribute to research and innovation within NORCE and help build new projects, partnerships and larger research initiatives.

• Underwater communication, primarily acoustic

• Data analysis for near-real-time applications

• Echosounder data analysis

• Operation and configuration of echosounders

• Practical laboratory and fieldwork

• Knowledge of the fisheries sector

Required qualifications (all positions)

• PhD degree in a relevant field

• Documented research experience within relevant disciplines

• Documented project management experience

• Experience preparing tenders and research proposals

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work in a structured manner and manage multiple projects in parallel

Additional experience (nice to have)

• Designing and developing electronic systems with sensors and microcontrollers

• Experience with FPGA programming

• Designing and building mechanical systems, including 3D modelling

• Operational experience with unmanned systems, preferably as a pilot and/or payload operator

• Experience with aerial surveying

What we offer

• Participation in exciting, interdisciplinary projects with national and international partners

• Belonging to a nationwide NORCE research network

• A varied, flexible and stimulating workday

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from a wide range of fields

• Strong opportunities for professional and personal development in a growing competence environment

• A social and creative work environment with the opportunity to influence your own workday

• The opportunity to build your own research and project portfolio

• Favourable pension and insurance schemes, good welfare benefits, and a competitive salary

Duty station for these positions is Tromsø.

How to apply

Apply electronically by clicking the application button.

It is possible to apply for more than one of the above positions at the same time.

Your application must include:

• Application and motivation letter

• CV

• Diplomas and certificates

The evaluation of applications will begin in August.

NORCE is subject to the Norwegian Security Act, and strict requirements are placed on our employees to demonstrate security-aware behaviour. For this position, you must meet the requirements for security clearance at the Secret / NATO Secret level.

Further information about security clearance is available on the website of the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM): NSM.no.

At NORCE, we are committed to diversity in our recruitment. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for vacancies regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnic background.