Two Postdoctoral Positions in Field Robotics
Boreal and Polar Environments | A Stepping Stone Toward an Academic Career
Join Norlab
The Northern Robotics Laboratory (Norlab) at Université Laval in Québec City, Canada, is an internationally recognized research laboratory specializing in field robotics. Its research pushes the boundaries of robotic autonomy, from boreal forests to polar regions, combining scientific excellence, innovation, and real-world experimentation on land, in the air, and underwater.
Building on Université Laval's internationally recognized expertise in northern and Arctic research, Norlab offers an outstanding scientific environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive interdisciplinary collaborations. Its team of more than 25 members includes 3 professors, 2 research staff members, 12 PhD students, and 9 master's students.
Two Postdoctoral Opportunities in Field Robotics
We are recruiting two outstanding PhD graduates with strong research records and aspirations for an academic career to strengthen our research in field robotics for extreme winter environments, particularly within the CRYOTIC research program, as well as in under-ice underwater robotics.
Research Topics
Envision the next breakthroughs in autonomous robotics for polar environments!
Candidates are invited to propose an original two-year research project in artificial intelligence for robotics, perception, SLAM, autonomous navigation, or robotic mobility, with applications to boreal and polar environments.
Research challenges include:
- Robust perception and localization in changing, snow-covered, or poorly structured environments.
- AI and adaptive autonomy under uncertainty, extreme weather conditions, and system failures.
- Navigation and mobility across snowy, icy, or rugged terrain, as well as beneath sea ice.
Projects should aim for ambitious and original scientific contributions, combining methodological advances with experimental validation on real robotic platforms.
Exceptional Experimental Resources
Norlab operates all-terrain ground robots and underwater robotic platforms equipped with advanced sensors, and provides access to unique experimental environments:
- Forêt Montmorency, less than 80 km from Québec City: 412 km² of boreal forest for testing autonomous robotic systems under real winter conditions.
- Institut Nordique du Québec indoor testing pool, for developing and validating underwater robotic systems in a controlled environment.
- Northern and polar environments, offering opportunities for field campaigns and scientific missions under real-world conditions.
From algorithm development to field deployments, research ideas come to life on real robots.
A Stepping Stone Toward a Faculty Career
Our ambition goes beyond a traditional postdoctoral appointment: we aim to support the next generation of research leaders in robotics.
Successful candidates will develop their own research directions while taking on a key scientific and organizational role within the laboratory. They will receive mentorship and progressively assume responsibilities in:
- Research supervision of master's and PhD students.
- Research proposal development, grant applications, and international collaborations.
- Robotic platform management and organization of experimental field campaigns.
- Scientific leadership and coordination of laboratory research activities.
Our goal is to help postdoctoral researchers develop the scientific independence, experience, and leadership skills needed to pursue a successful academic career.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- A PhD in robotics, computer science, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- An excellent publication record in internationally recognized journals or conferences.
- The ability to propose and conduct original, independent research.
- A strong interest in experimental robotics and real-world field deployments.
- Excellent collaborative skills, an interest in research supervision, and the ability to communicate scientific results effectively.
Experience with ROS 2, Python, C++, or real robotic platforms is considered an asset.
Position Details
- Number of positions: 2
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Work environment: Campus-based research laboratory with opportunities to participate in experimental field campaigns
- Salary and benefits: In accordance with Université Laval's applicable conditions for postdoctoral fellows (STEP)
- Expected start date: Winter 2027
- Application deadline: 15 november 2026
How to Apply
Applications, in English or French, must be submitted through the online application form.
Applications will be evaluated based on scientific excellence, the originality and feasibility of the proposed research project, its alignment with Norlab's research activities, and the candidate's potential for scientific independence and academic leadership.
Join Norlab to develop your research ideas, push the boundaries of field robotics, and lay the foundations for your future academic career.
