Projects
Funded Ph.D. Positions in Model-Free Control of UAVs
Several funded Ph.D. positions are available in the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at the University of Ottawa and in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University. They are part of a joint research project aiming at developing robust reinforcement learning (RL)-based controllers for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with online learning capabilities. The project pays special attention to commercialization requirements, such as formal (Lyapunov-based) robustness and stability guarantees, computational efficiency, and real-time performance.
Successful candidates will have the opportunities to conduct both analytical and hands-on research, publish papers in top professional journals, orally present their work in major academic conferences, and serve as mentors for other junior researchers. Evidence of ability to work in collaborative teams and good English communication skills (oral and written) are essential.
Requirements
Overall, candidates must show strong evidence of theoretical and practical expertise in the project’s relevant fields. They must demonstrate the ability to perform world class research and to publish in the top venues of this research area.
In particular, candidates must have the following qualifications:
- Strong background in Lyapunov stability and nonlinear control theory (especially in optimal and adaptive control)
- Good expertise in RL and machine learning
- Strong programming skills in (C/C++ or Python) and (Pytorch or TensorFlow)
- Good knowledge of ROS/Gazebo
- Excellent scientific writing skills (in English)
Good to have (but not necessary):
- Enough experience in ArduPilot and UAV hardware
Application Process
Recruited applicants will work under the supervision of Prof. Wail Gueaieb (University of Ottawa) and/or Prof. Mohammad Biglarbegian (Carleton University). Interested applicants are encouraged to email their application packages to Prof. Wail Gueaieb (wgueaieb [AT] uOttawa [DOT] ca) with the following subject line: “ALLRP-605546-25 * PhD * [Full Name]” (where [Full Name] is replaced with the applicant’s full name.
The application package should contain the following PDF documents:
- Full CV (make sure it includes a list of publications and the names and contact information of 3 references)
- All graduate and undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial)
- A cover letter explaining how the candidate is a good fit for the research in hand, with a particular focus on the candidate’s excellence in formal Lyapunov-based stability analysis of data-driven control of nonlinear systems
The first preliminary screening is conducted automatically. It is therefore extremely important to adhere to the submission instructions described above.
Due to the expected high volume of applications, only those submitted through the proper process will be considered. Candidates who are best fit for the project will be contacted.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to address them to Prof. Wail Gueaieb.
Deadline
The target starting date is September 1st, 2026. However, due to the long administrative processing time (especially for international students), it is highly recommended to apply immediately. Applications will be evaluated as soon as they are received and will be given full consideration until the required positions are filled.