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Postdoctoral Fellow – Automation & Control Systems (100% FTE)

E-mail:
Kontakt: s.kecerova@savba.sk, +421 2 3240 1002
Počet zobrazení: 104
Project (ISAM focus): Orbital-Grade Robotic CCDS Welding Testbed in Vacuum (≥10⁻³ Pa)

Why this role is unique
• Core member of a purpose-built “dirty-vacuum” ISAM testbed that admits processes producing fumes/metal vapour/particulates, enabling experiments most clean vacuum chambers reject.
• Shape CCDS welding into an on-orbit joining/capture technology with direct relevance to future depots, tank/tug logistics, and assembly tasks.
• Own the control stack: PLC/RT, DAQ, time synchronisation, interlocks, HMI/GUI, vacuum control—end-to-end.
• Operational scenarios: debris attachment and welding of mounting features, with closed-loop optimisation from multi-sensor feedback.
• Milestone: TRL 4; strong pathway to publications, methods, and IP.

Job description
• Design and implement control architecture (PLC/real-time), interlocks, safety states, and sequencers.
• Integrate DAQ and time-sync (F/T, I–V, SWIR, vacuum); build HMI/GUI (run/monitor/alarms/logging).
• Control the vacuum system (pumps, valves, venting) and ensure safety of high-current circuits.
• Implement operational steps for debris attachment & welding of mounting features (state machines/SFC, energy/timing, in-line validation).
• Contribute to end-effector development from the controls/electronics side (triggering, feeding, signalling, diagnostics).
• Co-create algorithms for optimal welding (closed-loop from multi-sensor response, run-to-run optimisation, QA thresholds).
Requirements
• PhD in automation, control, mechatronics, or related.
• Experience with at least one platform (TwinCAT/Siemens TIA/CODESYS) or Python + industrial protocols.
• Basics of control theory & industrial comms (EtherCAT, Modbus/TCP); state-machine/SFC design.

Nice to have
• LabVIEW, NI/Keysight DAQ, PTP/NTP timestamping, machinery safety (PL/SIL), data archiving/ETL.

Personal qualities
Accountable, meticulous, documentation-oriented, collaborative.

Employment terms
• Full-time (100% FTE), fixed term 36 months.
• Location: Bratislava (IMSAS); hybrid lab/office by phase.
• Salary under Act No. 553/2003 Coll., per qualification and experience.

• Start date: 1 Jan 2026 (or by agreement).
• Benefits: flexible hours, 45 days’ leave p.a., public-interest institution; access to advanced lab infrastructure.
• Full vacuum & high-current safety training provided.

How to apply
Email CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), publications/portfolio (if any) to: s.kecerova@savba.sk
Subject: “Automation – PhD/Postdoc (ISAM/CCDS)”.
Please include consent to the processing of personal data.

Institute website: https://www.umms.sav.sk/
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