Research Specialist – Robotics & Autonomous Drone Systems

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment focused on advancing robotics, intelligent sensing, and autonomous aerial systems.

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 Research Specialist will contribute to the development of AI-enabled, sensor-rich autonomous drones, with a strong emphasis on real-world deployment, remote sensing, security applications, and field validation.

The position bridges fundamental research and applied engineering, supporting KAUST’s mission of translating mission driven innovation into impactful technologies.

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 (e.g., Mavic, Matrice series) for real-world applications. Implement onboard data processing pipelines using edge computing platforms (e.g., 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 robots for Photovoltaic panel remote inspection. Implement multimodal perception and AI-driven control systems, including language-guided interaction for remote inspection of solar modules. Contribute to the development of human–robot interaction systems for intuitive mission control. Security & Field Applications Design and deploy robotic systems for field safety applications, including: Autonomous surveillance and monitoring of radiation, leveraging our lab-developed core technology. Infrastructure inspection. Hazard detection and situational awareness. Support deployment in industrial, mining, and hazardous waste disposal sites. Develop AI-based anomaly detection systems leveraging multimodal sensor data. Research Environment The position offers the opportunity to work within a world-class research ecosystem at KAUST, with access to: State-of-the-art laboratories and prototyping facilities Advanced robotics and sensing platforms Interdisciplinary collaboration across AI, materials, and engineering domains Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Proven experience in: Robotics systems (ROS/ROS2) Drone/UAV platforms and flight operations Sensor integration and embedded systems Proficiency in Python and/or C++.

Experience with DJI SDK and UAV mission planning tools.

Strong background in computer vision and AI (e.g., PyTorch, OpenCV).

with edge AI platforms (e.g., 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 Candidates with experience in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: Development of multimodal AI frameworks for robotics Deployment of autonomous navigation systems across robotic platforms 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 Applicants should submit: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Brief research statement outlining relevant experience and interests Contact information for at least two references