Title:
Summary: The Department of Computer Science at the University of Innsbruck is seeking to fill positions for a Postdoc and three PhD students specializing in Robot Learning. This opportunity is part of the FWF Emerging Field Comparative Ecological Innovation Styles (CEIS) project, which investigates how embodiment, environment, and experience contribute to novel problem-solving behaviors in animals, with the goal of developing more flexible and adaptive robotic systems.
Postdoc and 3 PhD Students in Robot Learning at the University of Innsbruck, Austria
Designation:
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- PhD Student (University Assistant)
Table:
| Position Type | Number of Openings | Starting Date | Duration | Monthly Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postdoc (CEIS project) | 1 | 2026-08-15 or ASAP | Up to 5 years | FWF salary scale |
| PhD Student (CEIS project) | 1 | 2026-08-15 or ASAP | Up to 4 years | FWF salary scale |
| PhD Student (University Assistant) | 2 | 2026-09-15 or ASAP | Up to 4 years | FWF salary scale |
Research Area: Robot Learning, Comparative Ecological Innovation Styles (CEIS), intrinsically- and extrinsically-motivated learning of predictive and explanatory models and policies for robotic manipulation tasks, learning abstract concepts of manipulator, object, part, and tool interactions.
Location: University of Innsbruck, Austria
Eligibility/Qualification:
- For all positions:
- MSc/PhD degree in computer science or other relevant area
- Excellent academic record
- Strong background in machine learning in the context of robotics
- Strong mathematical and programming skills in Python and ideally also in C++
- Experience with ROS is a plus
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, team spirit, and independent problem-solving skills
- For Postdoc positions:
- Competitive publication record in relevant areas
- For University Assistant PhD positions:
- Proficiency in written and spoken German is desired (but not mandatory)
Job Description:
The CEIS-focused Postdoc and PhD positions will involve studying intrinsically- and extrinsically-motivated learning of predictive and explanatory models and policies for robotic manipulation tasks. The emphasis will be on learning abstract concepts of how manipulators, objects, parts, and tools interact, rather than the physical intricacies of sensorimotor manipulation. The University Assistant PhD positions offer negotiable research topics generally related to CEIS, with minor teaching requirements.
How to Apply:
E-mail the following documents to Justus.Piater@uibk.ac.at:
- Motivation letter stating which position(s) you apply for and how your qualifications and interests match them.
- CV including your list of publications.
- Grade transcripts obtained for BSc and MSc degrees.
- Certificates for academic degrees.
- Names and contact details of 2 referees.
Last Date for Apply: For full consideration, apply by 2026 July 03. Screening will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
