PhD Position in Software Engineering (University of Bern)

About the InnoGuard Project (https://www.innoguard.eu/index.html): This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity sits at the nexus of software engineering, MLOps, robotics, and AI-enabled cyber-physical systems (AI-CPS). The research will focus on enhancing the adaptability and autonomy of UAVs operating in complex environments. Key themes include AI/ML integration into CPS, continuous deployment pipelines, and robust experimental design for MLOps frameworks. Start Date and Duration Target start: Fall 2025 (Target possible September 2025) Duration: Typically 4 years (based on the Swiss PhD system) Important Notes: The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years). Tasks Your Role You will: Conduct advanced research on MLOps for AI-CPS, including UAV systems. Develop and prototype MLOps solutions tailored to real-world CPS challenges. Design and implement experimental testbeds to evaluate AI-CPS. Collaborate across institutions and disciplines to integrate research into deployable software. Publish results in top-tier venues in Software Engineering, Robotics, and Systems. Requirements Candidate Profile We are seeking motivated PhD candidates with the following qualifications: Education: Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or closely related fields Core Skills required: Strong programming proficiency (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar languages). Solid understanding of software engineering principles and toolchains. Experience or strong interest in MLOps, DevOps, or data engineering. Familiarity with robotics, UAV systems, or virtual reality technologies is a strong plus. Excellent communication and writing skills; fluency in English is required. Ability to work both independently and within collaborative, cross-institutional teams. Important Notes: The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years). We offer What We Offer: Participation in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team with strong academic and industrial ties. Mentorship from leading experts in software engineering, AI, and robotics. Access to state-of-the-art robotic platforms, simulation environments, and DevOps infrastructure. Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation. This PhD position offers a unique chance to shape the future of autonomous systems through cutting-edge software and AI research in a highly collaborative academic environment. Application Requirements Please submit the following documents to Dr. Sebastiano Panichella (sebastiano.panichella@unibe.ch): CV and cover letter Academic transcripts Links to code repositories or relevant publications (if available) Contact details for 2–3 referees familiar with your research and programming capabilities Wenn Sie sich auf diese Stelle bewerben, erwähnen Sie bitte dass Sie sie auf Universitoxy gesehen haben.

About the InnoGuard Project (https://www.innoguard.eu/index.html):

This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity sits at the nexus of software engineering, MLOps, robotics, and AI-enabled cyber-physical systems (AI-CPS). The research will focus on enhancing the adaptability and autonomy of UAVs operating in complex environments. Key themes include AI/ML integration into CPS, continuous deployment pipelines, and robust experimental design for MLOps frameworks.

Start Date and Duration

Target start: Fall 2025 (Target possible September 2025)

Duration: Typically 4 years (based on the Swiss PhD system)

Important Notes:
The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years).

Tasks

Your Role

You will:

Conduct advanced research on MLOps for AI-CPS, including UAV systems.

Develop and prototype MLOps solutions tailored to real-world CPS challenges.

Design and implement experimental testbeds to evaluate AI-CPS.

Collaborate across institutions and disciplines to integrate research into deployable software.

Publish results in top-tier venues in Software Engineering, Robotics, and Systems.

Requirements

Candidate Profile

We are seeking motivated PhD candidates with the following qualifications:

Education:

Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or closely related fields

Core Skills required:

Strong programming proficiency (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar languages).

Solid understanding of software engineering principles and toolchains.

Experience or strong interest in MLOps, DevOps, or data engineering.

Familiarity with robotics, UAV systems, or virtual reality technologies is a strong plus.

Excellent communication and writing skills; fluency in English is required.

Ability to work both independently and within collaborative, cross-institutional teams.

Important Notes:
The position is reserved for international applicants (i.e., those who have not worked or studied in Switzerland in the past 3 years).

We offer

What We Offer:

Participation in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team with strong academic and industrial ties.

Mentorship from leading experts in software engineering, AI, and robotics.

Access to state-of-the-art robotic platforms, simulation environments, and DevOps infrastructure.

Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.

This PhD position offers a unique chance to shape the future of autonomous systems through cutting-edge software and AI research in a highly collaborative academic environment.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following documents to Dr. Sebastiano Panichella (sebastiano.panichella@unibe.ch):