1 PhD or Postdoc Position – Robot Learning (open topic)

The Chair of Cyber-Physical Systems at Montanuniversitaet Leoben in Austria  is offering a full-time position (100% employment) starting as soon as possible.

• Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours/week) – PhD student or Postdoc

• Salary: €3,776.10/month (Ph.D.) or €5,014.30/month (postdoc), paid 14 times per year 

• Duration: 

• PhD: up to 4 years (including completion of the doctoral degree)
• Postdoc: initially 2 years, with the option for extension

Research Focus

The positions are part of projects aiming to unlock the potential of humanoid robots in industrial environments. Our research focuses on learning-based methods for robust, adaptive, and generalizable robot skills, including:

• Whole-body control of humanoid robots in teleoperation and learning-based environments

• Robot skill learning using modern generative and reinforcement learning approaches
• Multi-modal robot learning utilizing vision, acoustic, and tactile sensing
• Simulation-based learning and sim-to-real transfer for robust deployment
• Adaptive manipulation and motion planning in dynamic and unstructured environments

This research position will focus on multiple aspects of these topics, with a special emphasis on humanoid robot skill learning of industrial applications. 

What we offer

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment in artificial intelligence and robotics

• The opportunity to develop your own research ideas and work on cutting-edge projects

• Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities

• International research collaborations and conference travel opportunities

• Targeted career guidance for a successful academic and research career

The figure below illustrates an example application of the project, focusing on learning manipulation tasks with objects on a conveyor belt. The picture above is an artwork created out of that picture from our research lab. 

Requirements

• For Ph.D. candidates: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Telematics, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanics, Robotics, or a related field

 
• For postdoctoral candidates: A completed Ph.D. in a topic related field 

• Strong motivation for scientific research and publications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team

• Interest in writing a PhD dissertation

Desired additional qualifications

• Programming experience in C, C++, C#, Java, MATLAB, Python, or a similar language

• Familiarity with AI libraries and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)

• Willingness to travel for research collaborations and technical presentations

Application & Materials

A complete application includes:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (detailed)

2. Letter of Motivation – State if you apply for the Ph.D. or the postdoc position

3. Master’s or Ph.D. Thesis (PDF or link)

4. Academic Certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)

Optional but beneficial:

5. Letter(s) of Recommendation

6. Contact Information for References (name, email, phone)

7. Previous Publications (PDFs or links)

Application deadline: Open until the position is filled.

Online Application via Email: Please send your application files to rueckert@unileoben.ac.at

The Montanuniversität Leoben intends to increase the number of women on its faculty and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants women will receive preferential consideration.Research Focus