PhD Position in Foil Drone

Pioneering the future of maritime surveillance? Join as a PHD to research and advance autonomous, wind-powered drones, featuring tethered hydrofoils for indefinite ocean monitoring.

Are you ready to shape the future of autonomous maritime security? We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD Candidate to spearhead advanced research on the Foil Drone system—an innovative, future-proof maritime surveillance concept.

Maritime domain awareness is a critical global priority. Traditional surveillance options face major trade-offs: airborne drones offer high speed but suffer from critically low endurance (6 to 22 hours), while unmanned surface vessels (like the Saildrone) boast long endurance but travel at very low speeds (3 to 5 knots) and cannot see over the horizon.

The Foil Drone system bridges this market gap by combining an aerial Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) rotating-wing sailplane with a submerged, tethered hydrofoil. completely eliminating propulsion power consumption during operations.

As a PhD candidate, you will take ownership of the next phase of Foil Drone research. You will take the design from conceptual idea towards physical implementation through independent research, simulation and experimentation. Your core duties will include:

• Advanced Multi-Body Dynamics & Control:
  Deepen and expand simulation models linking the aerial vehicle to the submerged hydrofoil via a flexible tether. Refine independent controllers to ensure stability during critical transitions (transit, deployment, sailing, and recovery).
• Aerodynamic & Hydrodynamic Optimization:
  Investigate the complex interactions of fixed wing drone, cabels, and hydrofoils. Optimize aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiencies across varying sea states and wind disturbances.
• Experimental Validation:
  Translate theoretical models into physical hardware. Collaborate with technical staff and student teams to design wind-tunnel experiments, tow-tank tests, and open-water flight trials to validate structural integrity, deployment mechanisms, and control strategies.
• Academic Contribution:
  Publish high-impact scientific papers in leading international journals, present findings at global aerospace and marine conferences, and assist in supervising Master's and Bachelor's student thesis projects.

• A fully funded, multi-year PhD position within a world-leading aerospace research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation tools, testing facilities, and prototyping equipment.
• Opportunities to collaborate closely with pioneers in UAV technology, maritime sensors, and renewable energy systems.
• A vibrant, international, and inspiring workplace dedicated to creating innovative drone solutions that work in the real world.

• Educational Background:
  Hold a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Expertise:
  Strong background in flight dynamics, multi-body system modeling, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Simulation
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated proficiency in numerical simulation environments (such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python) for aerial or underwater systems.
• Research Drive:
  Passion for academic research, experimental verification, and autonomous systems, with a proven ability to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Excellent English written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative mindset to work alongside interdisciplinary academic and industrial partners.
• Practical
  
  Experience:
  
  Demonstrated hands‑on experience in building, assembling, or maintaining (fixed-wing) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and/or marine hydrofoil…