ISAE-SUPAERO (Toulouse, France) is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the European TRUST IA project, which aims to develop an intelligent cockpit assistant for safe, trustworthy and adaptive Human–AI Teaming in aviation.

Application deadline: 23 November 2026

Expected start date: 4 January 2027

Research Objectives

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and validation of a multimodal, context-aware framework for real-time estimation of pilot and aircraft states.

The research will focus on four main areas:

• Multimodal State Estimation: Combining physiological signals, behavioural data, human–AI interaction metrics, and flight-system parameters to assess pilot workload, stress, trust and startle responses in relation to operational context.
• Machine Learning and Data Fusion: Developing and comparing machine learning approaches, including classical models, recurrent neural networks and hybrid neuro-symbolic methods, to achieve robust, interpretable and safety-aware state estimation.
• Adaptive AI Assistance: Investigating how estimated human–AI team states can inform the level and type of assistance provided by an intelligent cockpit assistant, particularly for cognitive workload mitigation and startle recovery.
• Experimental Validation: Evaluating model performance and assistance strategies in simulation environments of increasing realism, from synthetic piloting tasks (MATB) to X-Plane and PEGASE flight simulators, under both nominal and non-nominal flight scenarios.

About the TRUST IA Project

The European TRUST IA project aims to develop an intelligent cockpit assistant, progressing from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to TRL 4, to support future commercial aircraft operations while ensuring safe, trustworthy and pilot-centred Human–AI Teaming (HAT).

The project brings together Cranfield University (coordinator), ISAE-SUPAERO, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) and Rolls-Royce, with contributions from an advisory board involving major aviation industry stakeholders, including Airbus, Thales and Air France-KLM.

Candidate Profile

Candidates should hold a PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Human Factors or a related discipline.

A strong background in one or more of the following areas is expected:

• Computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, cognitive science or machine/deep learning.
• Human behaviour, neuroscience, cognitive processes and/or human–AI interaction.
• Scientific and analytical methods, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Programming in Python, C# or C++. Experience with Unity is an advantage.
• Physiological or behavioural data, multimodal data fusion, state estimation, machine learning or simulation environments.

Candidates should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research project connecting AI, human factors and aviation.

Applicants who do not meet every technical criterion but demonstrate strong scientific aptitude and a willingness to develop their programming skills will also be considered.

Location and Working Environment

The position will be based at ISAE-SUPAERO, Toulouse, France.

The postdoctoral researcher will join an international and interdisciplinary research environment involving academic and industrial partners. The position will include experimental work using task simulations and realistic flight-simulation environments.

Duration

The position is offered for an initial period of 18 months, with the possibility of a one-time renewal for an additional 18 months, depending on the results achieved.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should send the following documents to: mickaelcausse@isae.fr

• A CV detailing academic qualifications, research experience and technical skills.
• A cover letter describing research interests and suitability for the position.
• Two reference letters.