Doctoral Candidate (DC 3) – As-built model updating using sensor data for an automatic documenting of a worksite
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial Doctorate (ENGAGE Network)
About the ENGAGE Network
Mobile working machines (MWM) are critical to industries like construction, mining, and agriculture, and key to Europe’s sustainability and productivity goals. To meet rising demands for green, autonomous, and digital solutions, the ENGAGE network brings together top machine manufacturers (Volvo CE, Liebherr, Ponsse, AGCO), tech leaders (Bosch, Bosch Rexroth, Novatron, GIM Robotics), and six leading academic groups across Europe.
ENGAGE will train a new generation of engineers through Industrial Doctorates, equipping them with cutting-edge expertise in AI, robotics, and mechanical engineering. Together, we’re building the future of smart, sustainable mobile machinery.
Position Overview
Project Title: As-built Model Updating Using Sensor Data for Automatic Worksite Documentation
Host Institution: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany – 12 months
Industrial Partner: Novatron, Finland – 24 months
Supervisors: Prof. Achim Lilienthal (TUM), Antti Kolu (Novatron)
Target Degree: PhD awarded by the Technical University of Munich
Starting Date: 1 March 2026 (negotiable)
Contract Duration: 36 months, full-time employment
Trial Period: 6 months
Project Tasks and Objectives
Objectives: Industry: 1) Object detection on construction sites to verify elements of a BIM (Building Information Modelling) model; 2) Updating BIM model information based on sensor data and object detection; 3) 3D object measurement system for construction sites; 4) Machine task identification by using a BIM model and data collected with mobile work machines.
Science: 1) Development of a multi-layer, semantic (MLS) mapping pipeline for changing environments as input to a BIM model. 2) Evaluation of introspective consistency and correlation across layers in the MLS map as further input to the BIM model. 3) Development of methods for automatic or semi-automatic MLS and BIM model updates with minimal input from human operators. 4) Evaluation of variable density mapping approaches that adapt to the information density required for BIM models.
Eligibility and Requirements
We are seeking a talented, creative, and highly motivated researcher to join a multidisciplinary and innovative team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Novatron.
Formal eligibility (MSCA rules):
- Applicants of any nationality are welcome.
At the time of recruitment by the host organization, the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of his/her employer (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered. Candidates must be eligible for enrollment in the Doctoral Program at TUM and must not already hold a doctoral degree.
Academic background:
- Master of Science (MSc) diploma in Industrial Engineering and Management, Robotics, Engineering, specializing in topics such as Systems Engineering, Automation, or other relevant subjects.
- Strong interest in robotics, and perception-driven automation.
Additional requirements:
- Proficiency in written and spoken English (a certificate may be requested).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
- The candidate must also comply with the respective employers' requirements in Germany and Finland.
Salary and Benefits
- 36-month full-time contract, including 12 months at TUM (Germany) and 24 months at Novatron (Finland).
- Salary and allowances are provided according to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding rules, including mobility and, if applicable, family allowances.
- Enrolment in TUM’s Doctoral Program, with access to structured training, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Access to both academic and industrial research environments, enabling strong career development opportunities.
About the Host Institutions
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading universities and a designated University of Excellence. Located in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, TUM ranks among the top technical universities worldwide (e.g., top 3 in Europe in THE Ranking, top 50 globally in Shanghai Ranking). With over 50,000 students and a vibrant ecosystem of robotics research, industry, and startups, TUM offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for doctoral candidates. Its strong international outlook, close ties to industry, and commitment to innovation and sustainability make it an ideal place to pursue cutting-edge research.
Chair Perception for Intelligent Systems at TUM
The chair Perception for Intelligent Systems (PercInS) at TUM investigates novel methods and technologies for robotic platforms and other intelligent systems to perceive and act in unconstrained, dynamic environments, typically leveraging domain knowledge and AI. By intelligently processing the data, the main research directions of the chair (Perception for Intelligent Mobile Robots, Intelligent Robot Olfaction, Spatial Human-Robot Interaction, and Eye-tracking and AI Support Systems) aim to make intelligent systems capable, more efficient, and contribute to the safety of human operators in different applications.
https://www.ce.cit.tum.de/pins
Germany is renowned worldwide for its robust economy, high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to innovation, making it an attractive destination for top talent. We offer a stimulating work environment characterized by stability, excellent infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
More about Munich and Germany:
https://www.muenchen.de/int/en.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/
Novatron, Finland
Novatron is a Finnish leader in digital machine control systems for earthmoving and construction machinery. The company develops, manufactures, and supplies advanced machine control systems, software, and cloud services for infrastructure construction sites. With a strong focus on automation, precision, and sustainability, Novatron drives the digital transformation of the infrastructure sector. Its intelligent 3D solutions enable model-based construction processes (Building Information Modeling, BIM), significantly enhancing the productivity and efficiency of earthmoving operations. Novatron employs around 130 professionals, including an R&D department of 60 engineers and scientists specializing in research, software development, and embedded electronics.
Finland is among the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. It is also ranked as one of the top countries in terms of education, innovation, and social progress.
More about Tampere and Finland:
www.visitfinland.com/en/
www.infofinland.fi/en/landingpage
Application Procedure
Application deadline: November 16, 2025 (23:59 EEST / UTC +2).
Please note that we will begin conducting interviews during the application period, so early applications are encouraged. This allows us to get to know candidates as soon as possible and keep the process moving efficiently. Please apply at your earliest convenience!
Required documents:
- Certified copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts (with Diploma Supplement, if applicable). Official English translations required if documents are in another language.
- Curriculum Vitae (preferably in Europass format).
- List of publications (if available, with indication of individual contributions).
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page) introducing yourself, outlining qualifications, research experience, and future career goals.
- References: Contact details of at least two referees (included in CV).
- Proof of residence: A signed statement, with supporting documents, indicating places of residence over the last 3 years.
Please send your application documents as a single PDF to valeria.lopez-salazar(at)tum.de
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Professor, Supervisor, Achim Lilienthal (TUM) achim.j.lilienthal(at)tum.de
Valeria Salazar, Recruitment Coordinator valeria.lopez-salazar(at)tum.de
Data Protection Information:
When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.
Doctoral Candidate (DC 5) – 3D Perception in Dynamic Environments
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial Doctorate (ENGAGE Network)
About the ENGAGE Network
Mobile working machines (MWM) are critical to industries like construction, mining, and agriculture, and key to Europe’s sustainability and productivity goals. To meet rising demands for green, autonomous, and digital solutions, the ENGAGE network brings together top machine manufacturers (Volvo CE, Liebherr, Ponsse, AGCO), tech leaders (Bosch, Bosch Rexroth, Novatron, GIM Robotics), and six leading academic groups across Europe.
ENGAGE will train a new generation of engineers through Industrial Doctorates, equipping them with cutting-edge expertise in AI, robotics, and mechanical engineering. Together, we’re building the future of smart, sustainable mobile machinery.
Position Overview
Project Title: 3D Perception in Dynamic Environments
Host Institution: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany (12 months)
Industrial Partner: GIM Robotics, Finland (24 months)
Supervisors: Prof. Achim Lilienthal (TUM), Dr. Jose Peralta (GIM Robotics)
Target Degree: Doctoral Degree (PhD) awarded by the Technical University of Munich
Starting date: 1 March 2026 (negotiable)
Contract Duration: 36 months, full-time employment
Trial period: 6 months
Project tasks and objectives:
Objectives: Industry: 1) Development of methods and algorithms for supporting robust real-time 3D situational awareness and semantic 3D environmental segmentation; 2) Development of above algorithms and representations that facilitate the use of different sensors and sensor modalities (LiDAR, radar, camera) in highly dynamic environments, including intralogistics hubs, ports, and airports; 3) Improvement of the above algorithms’ implementations to enable real-time operations even with low computational resources on the edge;
Science: 1) Develop a system that uses foundation models to detect, classify, and track both stationary and moving objects with data from various sensors 2) Integrate a self-learning mechanism within the system to identify and adapt to unknown object types; 3) Integration of language processing capabilities to handle natural language input, enabling the system to infer motion characteristics and allow the user to refine labels of unknown object classes. 4) Development of introspection techniques to detect and mitigate failures of the detection system, e.g., hallucinations of the model.
The DC will also be involved in dissemination through social media promotion of the network, such as on the project website, LinkedIn groups, YouTube video channels, and blogging.
Eligibility and Requirements
We are seeking a talented, creative, and highly motivated researcher to join a multidisciplinary and innovative team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and GIM Robotics.
Formal eligibility (MSCA rules):
- Applicants of any nationality may apply.
- At the time of recruitment by the host organization, the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of his/her employer (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
Candidates must be eligible for enrollment in the Doctoral Program at TUM and must not already hold a doctoral degree.
Academic background:
- Master of Science (MSc) diploma in Industrial Engineering and Management, Robotics, Engineering, specializing in topics such as Systems Engineering, Automation, or other relevant subjects.
- Strong interest in engineering methods, perception systems, and robotics.
Additional requirements:
- Proficiency in written and spoken English (a certificate may be required).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
- The candidate must also comply with the respective employers' requirements in Germany and Finland.
Salary and Benefits
- A 36-month full-time employment contract, with 12 months at TUM (Germany) and 24 months at GIM Robotics (Finland).
- Salary and allowances are provided according to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding rules, including mobility and, if applicable, family allowances.
- Enrolment in TUM’s Doctoral Program, with access to structured training, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Access to both academic and industrial research environments, enabling strong career development opportunities.
About the Host Institutions
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s leading universities and a designated University of Excellence. Located in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, TUM ranks among the top technical universities worldwide (e.g., top 3 in Europe in THE Ranking, top 50 globally in Shanghai Ranking). With over 50,000 students and a vibrant ecosystem of robotics research, industry, and startups, TUM offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for doctoral candidates. Its strong international outlook, close ties to industry, and commitment to innovation and sustainability make it an ideal place to pursue cutting-edge research.
Chair Perception for Intelligent Systems at TUM
The chair Perception for Intelligent Systems (PercInS) at TUM investigates novel methods and technologies for robotic platforms and other intelligent systems to perceive and act in unconstrained, dynamic environments, typically leveraging domain knowledge and AI. By intelligently processing the data, the main research directions of the chair (Perception for Intelligent Mobile Robots, Intelligent Robot Olfaction, Spatial Human-Robot Interaction, and Eye-tracking and AI Support Systems) aim to make intelligent systems capable, more efficient, and contribute to the safety of human operators in different applications.
https://www.ce.cit.tum.de/pins
Germany is renowned worldwide for its robust economy, high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to innovation, making it an attractive destination for top talent. We offer a stimulating work environment characterized by stability, excellent infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
More about Munich and Germany:
https://www.muenchen.de/int/en.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/
GIM Robotics, Finland
GIM Robotics is a high-tech company specializing in intelligent mobile robotics solutions, originating as a spin-off from Aalto University. The company develops advanced technologies for autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and real-time 3D perception for sectors such as logistics, construction, and heavy machinery.
Finland is among the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. It is also ranked as one of the top countries in terms of education, innovation, and social progress.
More about GIM Robotics and Finland:
https://www.visitfinland.com/en/
https://www.infofinland.fi/en/landingpage
Application Procedure
Application deadline: November 16, 2025 (23:59 EEST / UTC +2).
Please note that we will begin conducting interviews during the application period, so early applications are encouraged. This allows us to get to know candidates as soon as possible and keep the process moving efficiently. Please apply at your earliest convenience!
Required documents:
- Certified copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts (with Diploma Supplement, if applicable). Official English translations required if documents are in another language.
- Curriculum Vitae (preferably in Europass format).
- List of publications (if available, with indication of individual contributions).
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page) introducing yourself, outlining qualifications, research experience, and future career goals.
- References: Contact details of at least two referees (included in CV).
- Proof of residence: A signed statement, with supporting documents, indicating places of residence over the last 3 years.
Please send your application documents as a single PDF to valeria.lopez-salazar(at)tum.de
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Professor, Supervisor, Achim Lilienthal (TUM) achim.j.lilienthal(at)tum.de
Valeria Salazar, Recruitment Coordinator valeria.lopez-salazar(at)tum.de
Data Protection Information:
When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.