Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Embedded Processors for Space Missions (M/F)

Role: Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Embedded Processors for Space Missions (M/F)
Organization: CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research, Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas
Location: Paris, France
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (35 hours/week)
Start Date: 1 Aug 2026
Application Deadline: 26 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)

Role Overview:
With the rapidly growing adoption of technologies to automate space mission operations, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms optimized for onboard processors is becoming increasingly critical. The goal is to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing human intervention through the ability to automatically make real-time decisions, even in deep space. In this context, we are interested in using AI algorithms for the automatic selection of data from space missions, not all of which can be transmitted to Earth due to telemetry limitations. This topic is proposed as part of the H2020 ASAP project (Automatics in Space Exploration), in which the LPP is responsible for Work Package WP4 “Testbed Software Interface and Validation Tests” in collaboration with the company IngeniArs. The ASAP project is coordinated by KU Leuven (Belgium) and also includes KTH Stockholm (Sweden), the University of Calabria (Italy), and INAF (Italy).

The successful candidate will join the “Space Plasmas” team of the Plasma Physics Laboratory, a CNRS research unit located on the Pierre and Marie Curie campus of the Sorbonne University (Paris-Jussieu) and at the École Polytechnique site near Paris. The team is internationally recognized for its expertise in the development of in situ measurement instruments for waves and charged particles, data analysis, and the development of numerical simulations.

Responsibilities:
This research project consists of two parts. The first part will involve defining a test validation plan for several machine learning (ML) algorithms that will be ported and tested by IngeniArs on an embedded processor prototype featuring a graphics processing unit (GPU) integrated into a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). To define this plan, several flight scenarios will be considered, such as those for Earth-orbit space missions and those for distant planetary missions, with different scientific and technical constraints (execution time, data throughput, available memory, power consumption, etc.). In the second phase, the goal will be to analyze the data resulting from the tests conducted by IngeniArs for each ML algorithm, with the objective of determining the feasibility of each algorithm in flight and studying the advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm in relation to the various flight scenarios. This second phase also includes the preparation of the test validation report, which is the final deliverable of the ASAP project.

Specific activities include:
- Analysis of profiles for past, current, and future space missions
- Writing the test validation plan
- Developing routines for analyzing data from ML algorithm tests
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Writing the test validation report
- Publishing scientific results

Requirements and Qualifications:
- PhD in plasma physics, space physics, or astrophysics, with a record of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
- In-depth knowledge of AI/ML algorithms applied to space physics (e.g., Variational Auto-Encoders, Convolutional Neural Networks, etc.)
- Programming experience (MATLAB or Python)
- Experience in data analysis related to the study of space plasmas
- Strong spoken and written English skills required
- Basic French language skills
- Meticulous work ethic and the ability to work in a team

What They Offer:
- A position within the “Space Plasmas” team of the Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas (LPP), a CNRS research unit with approximately 115 staff members.
- Participation in the Horizon 2020 ASAP project, collaborating with international partners including KU Leuven, KTH Stockholm, the University of Calabria, INAF, and IngeniArs.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of AI algorithms for automated space mission operations and data selection.
- Work location in Paris, accessible by metro (RER B).