Research Specialist – Robotics & Autonomous Drone Systems | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Job Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a Research Specialist position in Robotics & Autonomous Drone Systems. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment focused on advancing robotics, intelligent sensing, and autonomous aerial systems.

Position Overview:

This role centers on the integration of novel colloidal camera-based technologies developed at KAUST into drone payloads and robotic platforms, enabling next-generation perception capabilities. The position bridges fundamental research and applied engineering, supporting KAUST’s mission of translating mission-driven innovation into impactful technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Sensor Integration & Payload Development:

• Integrate colloidal camera-based sensing technologies into compact, deployable payloads for aerial and robotic platforms
• Design and develop multi-sensor systems combining LiDAR, radar, and imaging technologies
• Engineer and optimize gimbal-integrated sensor platforms for stabilized data acquisition
• Ensure seamless integration with different drone platforms using SDKs and embedded systems

Autonomous Drone Systems:

• Develop and deploy autonomous flight workflows including waypoint navigation, mapping, and inspection missions
• Integrate payloads into DJI-based UAV systems (Mavic, Matrice series) for real-world applications
• Implement onboard data processing pipelines using edge computing platforms (NVIDIA Jetson)
• Optimize system performance considering payload constraints, power consumption, and environmental conditions

Robotics & AI Development:

• Develop and extend ROS2-based robotic autonomy frameworks for photovoltaic panel remote inspection
• Implement multimodal perception and AI-driven control systems including language-guided interaction
• Contribute to development of human–robot interaction systems for intuitive mission control

Security & Field Applications:

• Design and deploy robotic systems for field safety applications (autonomous surveillance, infrastructure inspection, hazard detection)
• Support deployment in industrial, mining, and hazardous waste disposal sites
• Develop AI-based anomaly detection systems leveraging multimodal sensor data

Research Environment:

• State-of-the-art laboratories and prototyping facilities
• Advanced robotics and sensing platforms
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across AI, materials, and engineering domains

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Proven experience in robotics systems (ROS/ROS2)
• Experience with drone/UAV platforms and flight operations
• Experience with sensor integration and embedded systems
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DJI SDK and UAV mission planning tools
• Strong background in computer vision and AI (PyTorch, OpenCV)
• Experience with edge AI platforms (NVIDIA Jetson)
• Familiarity with multi-sensor fusion systems (LiDAR, cameras, radar, IMU)
• Hands-on experience in custom drone development or FPV systems
• Demonstrated ability to translate research prototypes into field-deployable systems

Desirable Research Experience:

• Development of multimodal AI frameworks for robotics
• Deployment of autonomous navigation systems
• Integration of BIM/digital twin data into robotic workflows
• Implementation of photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction pipelines
• Human–machine interaction using speech or natural language interfaces

Application Requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Brief research statement outlining relevant experience and interests
• Contact information for at least two references

Application Deadline: October 14, 2026

Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia