Postdoctoral Fellow – Automation and Decision Support, Distributed Systems and Multi-Agent Systems – C5I Centre

This position is based on-site at the ÉTS, campus in Montreal

The C5I Research Centre at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) is seeking applications for three Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions, in the fields of automation and decision support, distributed systems, and multi-agent systems. The selected candidates will contribute to the development of novel methods, architectures, and algorithmic approaches enabling multi-agent systems to perceive and understand their environment, reason under uncertainty, plan and coordinate actions, optimize resource utilization, and adapt decision-making processes to enhance the execution of distributed missions.

The research program combines state-of-the-art approaches from multi-agent systems, distributed systems, agentic artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, operations research, and AI-based planning, while leveraging recent advances in Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision Language Models (VLMs), agentic AI, and neuro-symbolic AI.

Successful candidates will work within a multidisciplinary research environment and collaborate with researchers, graduate students, industry partners, and government stakeholders on cutting-edge research projects addressing complex defence, security, and intelligent systems challenges.

The C5I Research Centre is a new ÉTS research initiative dedicated to advancing knowledge, technologies, and innovative solutions in Command and Control (C2), Communications, Computing, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence for defence and security applications. The Centre fosters collaborative research across a broad range of technological domains, including automation and decision support, multi-agent adaptation and coordination, navigation, telecommunications, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and algorithms.

The selected candidates will work with the research team to carry out the following tasks:

• Design and validate integrated, agile, and adaptive multi-agent architectures.

• Design and validate collaborative agents with adaptive reasoning capabilities.

• Develop decentralized multi-agent orchestration and coordination methods to optimize the execution of distributed missions.

• Develop context-aware applications and algorithms capable of evolving in real time.

• Design and validate decision-support interfaces based on explainable artificial intelligence (XAI).

• Design, model, and validate the integration of heterogeneous subsystems into a unified system, including interoperability, communication, and data synchronization.

Research Areas

Research activities may include:

• Multi-agent systems and distributed AI.

• Agentic AI and autonomous decision-making.

• Human-AI teaming and decision support systems.

• Adaptive planning and coordination under uncertainty.

• Resource optimization and mission management.

• Machine learning and reinforcement learning.

• Neuro-symbolic AI and explainable AI.

• Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision Language Models. (VLMs).

• Distributed computing and edge-cloud architectures.

Desired profile

The successful candidate should possess:

• Ph.D. (obtained within the last 5 years in the field) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and integration of advanced software solutions, particularly those based on agentic AI, multi-agent frameworks, and AI-driven applications.

• Strong expertise in optimization, algorithms, modelling, and complex problem-solving.

• In-depth understanding of data structures, software engineering principles, and modern software architectures.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, TypeScript, C#, .NET, or equivalent enterprise software development technologies.

• Experience in simulation, prototyping, experimentation, and testbed development for system integration and validation.

• Proven ability to design and develop automation and decision-support solutions for complex and dynamic environments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, professionals, industry partners, and government stakeholders.

• Strong autonomy, analytical rigour, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and research activities simultaneously.

• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, a strong interest in advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies, and a commitment to developing innovative approaches to address complex scientific and technological challenges.

Additional Assets

• Scientific publications in AI, multi-agent systems, automation, distributed systems, or systems engineering.

• Experience with LLMs, agentic AI, autonomous agents, RAG architectures, and agent orchestration platforms.

• Knowledge of cloud-native technologies, microservices, containers, and DevSecOps practices.

• Experience in applied research conducted with industrial or government partners.

• Experience in technology transfer, prototyping, or operational deployment of research outcomes.

• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students and contributing to collaborative research projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, creativity, autonomy, and a passion for scientific innovation. They should have a solid foundation in one or more of the research areas listed above and a strong interest in advancing next-generation autonomous, intelligent, and collaborative systems.

Candidates should also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams involving academic researchers, students, industry partners, and government organizations.

Salary: 80 000.00 - 88 000.00 CAD per year

This postdoctoral position is expected to begin as soon as possible. The initial appointment will be for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal.

All applications will be treated confidentially.

If you require accommodation due to a disability, accommodation measures will be provided throughout the hiring process.

Please submit your complete application as a single PDF file. The application must include the following documents:

• A comprehensive academic curriculum vitae (CV);

• A list of publications;

• A brief statement of research interests and experience;

• Contact information for two or three professional or academic references.

• Application packages should demonstrate the candidate's qualifications, research achievements, and potential contributions to the C5I Research Centre's research and innovation activities.

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In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, ÉTS encourages all qualified applicants to apply. However, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Please clearly indicate your ability to work in Canada in your application.

Based on your status, the start date may be postponed without affecting the duration of the contract. Any further changes will be subject to approval by the supervisor.