Postdoctoral Fellow Position in automated flight planning for medical drones

I have a funded PDF position available in the Algorithms Optimization and Control Lab (AOCL) at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.  

We’re working with the Drone Transport Initiative (https://dronetransport.med.ubc.ca) to deliver medicine and blood products to and from remote communities using autonomous drones. This position involves developing autonomy algorithms for these drones.

This is a 2-3 year position and part of a 3 year proof-of-concept technology development program working to demonstrate drone-based delivery of medicine in Northern BC.

Scope of Work

The successful applicant will:

• Develop and implement automated flight planning algorithms for long-range medical drones
• Work with industrial collaborators to deploy these algorithms on hardware
• Support regulatory filings to obtain flight approvals
• Support flight test campaigns (includes occasional travel to the Prince George area)

About the Lab

The AOCL works broadly at the intersection of control, optimization, and computing. We apply control, optimization, game-theory and machine learning to solve problems in energy, manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace.

We are hosted within the Department of Mechanical Engineering on UBCs Point Grey campus on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, surrounded by forest, ocean and mountains. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and one of the most livable cities in the world. The lab offers a friendly and stimulating environment and the opportunity to become an expert in control, optimization, and computing while solving meaningful engineering problems.

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in engineering
• Background in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical and/or Aerospace engineering
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Technical skills in path planning, optimization, control systems, C++, and ROS (or embedded systems)
• Experience with flight and/or robotic hardware testing
• The successful candidate will need to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and stakeholders in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

If you have any questions

Dominic Liao-McPherson | dliaomcp {at} mech.ubc.ca    | https://mech.ubc.ca/dominic-liao-mcpherson/

How to apply

• Submit the following documents by email at dliaomcp {at} mech.ubc.ca
  1. A resume/CV;
  2. A cover letter/statement of intent (including relevant experience, your research interests);
• Please submit all documents as a single .pdf file and use the following format for the email subject line: [DTI Postdoc application]: LastName, FirstName
• Please indicate in your submission if you are eligible to apply for an NSERC PDF Fellowships or Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
• Those shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted for an online interview and given instructions about submitting a formal application.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Due to the volume of emails received only those shortlisted will be contacted; I apologize in advance.

Key Dates

• February 2nd 2026  | First review date for applications
• March 1st 2026        | Last review date for applications (no applications will be considered after this date)
• The expected start date is April 2026 (or a mutually agreed upon time shortly thereafter)

Salary Ranges

• $70,000 - $80,000 per year + benefits
• Those holding major external awards (e.g., NSERC PDF Fellowships or Impact + Research Training Awards) are eligible for a top-up

How to apply?

Please send applications to dliaomcp@mech.ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-58987.

Desired start date: 01 Apr 2026
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.