Research Assistant, M.Sc. thesis position on intelligent manipulation of airborne objects

The Robotic Instruments group at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, is looking for a research assistant, M.Sc. thesis student to work on intelligent manipulation of airborne objects. This thesis project will focus on leveraging airflow fields to control lightweight objects, such as dandelion-seed-inspired specimen or agents, in free space, expanding on our previous work in this domain of airflow field-based manipulation.Project DescriptionThe successful applicant will conduct research with potential for publication, focusing on the manipulation of lightweight objects using controlled airflow fields. The work includes:Refining a gradient-based airflow manipulation system;Developing motion control and planning algorithms for precise object manipulation;Conducting experimental validation to validate control strategies across multiple application cases;Preparing research documentation and contributing to a potential publication.This research advances controlled transport of lightweight objects in airflow fields, with potential applications in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring.Position DetailsDuration: 6 months, starting from February 1, 2026, or as agreed;Location: Aalto University Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation;Salary: Based on the university salary scheme;The position is mainly open to Aalto University students.Required QualificationsThe applicant should have a background in one or more of the following fields:Automation and RoboticsMachine LearningMechatronicsElectrical Engineering or related fieldsPreferred Skills And ExperienceSoftware development using Python, MATLAB, and C/C++/C#Design and implementation of controllers for dynamic systemsExperience with machine learning and/or reinforcement learningMechatronic system design and experimental workStrong hands-on skills and attention to detailHow To ApplyPlease submit your application as a single PDF file at your earliest convenience or by 31.12.2025, through our recruitment system by using the “Apply now!” link below.Your application should include (in English):Letter of motivation (1–2 pages)Curriculum Vitae (CV)Academic transcriptsAll applications must be submitted through Aalto University’s recruitment system. Email applications will not be considered.For further inquiries about the position, please contact Postdoctoral Researcher Artur Kopitca (artur.kopitca@aalto.fi). In recruitment process related questions, please contact HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen at hr-elec@aalto.fi.More about Aalto University:Aalto.fiyoutube.com/user/aaltouniversitylinkedin.com/school/aalto-university/www.facebook.com/aaltouniversityinstagram.com/aaltouniversityTo view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.Please see more of our Open Positions here.