PhD Position Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy (Robotics/AI)

TL;DR

PhD Position Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy (Robotics/AI): Developing long-term reasoning and adaptive learning methods for safe, human-aware robot autonomy with an accent on combining fast reactive behavior with deliberate reasoning. Focus on hierarchical reinforcement learning, semantic mapping, and enabling robust robot-human interaction in dynamic environments.

Location: Must be based in the Netherlands (Relocation supported)

Salary: €3,059 - €3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, and digital society.

What you will do

• Develop methods for long-term reasoning and adaptive robot behavior in human-centered environments.
• Research the integration of learned models, memory, and semantic information for robust decision-making over extended time horizons.
• Investigate adaptive robot interaction strategies based on human proximity, predicted intent, and task context.
• Utilize reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and adaptive control to ensure robot safety and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with European partners within the EU-funded OPERA consortium.
• Test and validate theoretical research results on real robotic systems.

Requirements

• MSc degree in Systems and Control, Computer Science, Robotics, AI, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Advanced analytical and mathematical abilities in optimization, probability, or learning frameworks.
• English: Proficiency required for academic publication and international collaboration.
• Location: Relocation to the Netherlands is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with model-based, hierarchical, or imitation reinforcement learning.
• Knowledge of adaptive control, learning-based control, or state estimation.
• Experience with long-horizon planning and semantic reasoning.
• Proficiency with ROS/ROS2 and real robot deployment.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period (structured as an initial 1.5-year contract and a subsequent 2.5-year contract).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customizable compensation package and discounts on health insurance.
• Comprehensive relocation support via the "Coming to Delft Service" and a Dual Career Programme for partners.
• Enrollment in the hirify.global Graduate School with access to a dedicated Doctoral Education Programme.