Postdoctoral Fellow Position in automated flight planning medical drones

Overview

The Algorithms Optimization and Control Lab (AOCL) at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada has a funded postdoctoral position in the Drone Transport Initiative. This 2‑ to 3‑year role involves developing autonomy algorithms for medical drones that will deliver medicine and blood products to and from remote communities in Northern British Columbia.

• Develop and implement automated flight‑planning algorithms for long‑range medical drones.
• Work with industrial partners to deploy the algorithms on hardware.
• Support regulatory filings to obtain flight approvals.
• Support flight test campaigns, including occasional travel to the Prince George area.

• A PhD degree in engineering.
• Background in robotics, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Technical skills in path planning, optimization, control systems, C++, and ROS or embedded systems.
• Experience with flight and/or robotic hardware testing.
• The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and stakeholders in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

• $70{,}000 to $80{,}000 per year plus benefits.
• Those holding major external awards (e.g., NSERC PDF Fellowships or Impact+ Research Training Awards) are eligible for a top‑up.

• February 2, 2026 – First review date for applications.
• March 1, 2026 – Last review date for applications (no applications will be considered after this date).
• Expected start date:
  April 2026 (or a mutually agreed time shortly thereafter).

The University of British Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black‑identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2

SLGBTQ+.