Graduate Students
No current open positions
Postdocs
I have a postdoc position available in flight planning for autonomous medical drones.
Undergraduate Students
Summer Undergraduate Research Position in Construction Robotics
I have a funded summer undergraduate research position in Construction Robotics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. This project is a collaboration with the National Research Council. Our goal is to develop a drone-based system for automated 3D scanning of construction sites. The successful applicant will:
- Develop software for a drone flight lab and flight test drones
- Help survey industry partners on their wants/needs in an automated inspection system
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 Departments of Mechanical and Electrical & Computer 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. UBC offers a friendly and stimulating environment and the opportunity to become an expert in control, optimization, and computing while solving meaningful engineering problems.
Qualifications
- Enrolled in a bachelor’s program in Engineering (or a closely related field)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Some coursework/project experience in control systems, robotics/mechatronics, and computer programming
- Experience with a compiled programming language (C/C++ etc.)
- Experience with ROS or ROS2 is ideal but not required
- No other specific qualifications beyond and a willingness to learn.
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
- A resume/CV;
- A cover letter/statement of intent (including relevant experience, your research interests);
- Unofficial transcripts;
- Please submit all documents as a single .pdf file and use the following format for the email subject line: [QAQC application]: LastName, FirstName
- Those shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted for an online interview and given instructions about submitting a formal application.
- Due to the volume of emails received only those shortlisted will be contacted; I apologize in advance.
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+.
Key Dates
- Feb 13th 2025 | First review date for applications
- Feb 20th 2026 | Last review date for applications (no applications will be considered after this date)
Salary
$11,520 for a 16-week term
Unsolicited Undergraduate Research
I participate in all the all of the undergraduate research opportunities offered by the department including e.g., MECH 493 (mech students) and NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (any department).
- If you’re interested in working with me please reach out by email.
- Apologies, but I don’t take undergraduate volunteers outside of these pathways
Visiting Researchers
We regularly host visiting students and researchers from other institutions. If you’re interested in visiting the lab for a short research stay (e.g., a European style Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis) reach out to me by email.